Mrs. Margaret Snelling
1840
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
1840
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
This painting is a portrait of a woman, likely Mrs. Margaret Snelling, from the early 19th century. She is depicted wearing a dark-colored dress with a white lace collar and a white bonnet. The background of the painting is a muted brown color. The woman's face is painted in a realistic style, with attention to detail in her features and expression. Her eyes are cast downward, giving the impression that she is lost in thought. The overall mood of the painting is one of quiet contemplation. If you're interested in learning more about this style of portraiture, you might want to explore the work of artist Samuel Lovett Waldo.