Sally Avery Olds by Jeptha Wade
This striking portrait of *Sally Avery Olds*, painted by Jeptha Wade in 1837, is an early work by a man who would soon become one of America's wealthiest industrialists. Before he co-founded Western Union Telegraph and made a fortune, Wade was a portrait painter and one of the first to make daguerreotypes west of New York.
The painting, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, shows Sally with a composed expression, her simple dress and white bonnet hinting at a quiet life. The artist's refined brushwork captures her face with a subtle chiaroscuro, a technique that allows soft light to illuminate her against the dark background.
Wade's dual career in art and industry reflects the spirit of 19th-century America. He created this piece before moving to Michigan in 1840, when his focus shifted from the canvas to the telegraph wires. It's a fascinating look at the early artistic endeavors of a man who would leave a significant mark on American commerce and technology.
What do you think of this painting from an artist better known for his business empire?
Details
Transcript
This is Sally Olds, painted in 1837. Her modest dress and bonnet suggest a quiet life. But the artist, Jeptha Wade, led a very different one. He was an industrialist and a telegraph pioneer. Wade later co-founded Western Union, becoming a millionaire. He painted this portrait before his ventures made him famous.