Mrs. James Pitts
1735
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
1735
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
This painting is a portrait of a woman, dressed in 18th-century attire. She wears a dark-colored dress with a white ruffled collar and cuffs, and her dark hair is styled in an updo. The woman's face is turned slightly to her right, and she gazes directly at the viewer with a neutral expression. Her hands are clasped together in front of her, and she holds a piece of fabric or a letter. The background of the painting is dark and muted, which helps to focus attention on the subject. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and reserve. If you're interested in learning more about this style of portraiture, you might want to explore the work of artist John Smibert.
