Mary Cuthbert (Mrs. James Cuthbert) (?) by Theus, Jeremiah

Theus, Jeremiah · c. 1765

This portrait of Mary Cuthbert (Mrs. James Cuthbert) by Jeremiah Theus, painted around 1765, is a beautiful example of colonial American portraiture. Housed in an American museum, it captures a quiet dignity.

The sitter, Mary Cuthbert, is depicted with a delicate hand resting on her cheek and holding a book, suggesting both contemplation and literacy. Her attire, from the lustrous blue satin dress to the crisp white apron and modest cap, speaks to her social standing and the fashion of the time. The small string of pearls adds a touch of understated elegance.

Jeremiah Theus, a Swiss-American artist, was a prominent painter in the American colonies, particularly in Charleston, South Carolina. His work is known for its fine brushwork and attention to detail, characteristic of mid-eighteenth-century portraiture. This painting offers a window into the lives of individuals during a formative period in American history.

It's a subtle and intimate portrayal, inviting viewers to appreciate the quiet strength and presence of its subject.

Details

Her portrait is by Jeremiah Theus, a Swiss-American artist.

She wears a blue satin dress and a crisp white apron.

This pose suggests both contemplation and literacy.

Transcript

This woman, Mary Cuthbert, was painted around 1765. Her portrait is by Jeremiah Theus, a Swiss-American artist. She wears a blue satin dress and a crisp white apron. Her left hand delicately rests on her cheek, holding a book. This pose suggests both contemplation and literacy. Her simple cap and pearls speak to modest social standing.