Mrs. David Howe (Sarah Whitney) 1820 - 1858

Curator: My first thought is one of quiet introspection. What do you see? Editor: The severe tonal range evokes a mood of gentle austerity. It's fascinating how the circular composition frames and isolates her gaze. We’re looking at "Mrs. David Howe (Sarah Whitney)." Samuel Wallin rendered this portrait sometime between 1820 and 1858, now gracing the walls of the Metropolitan Museum. It's executed in pencil, emphasizing line and form. Curator: Pencil lends a transient, immediate feel, and combined with her attire, I can't help but see a woman who embodies domestic virtue. That head covering tells a specific story about marital status and perhaps religious affiliation in her time. Her look is directly in the picture plane, which symbolizes trust and connection. Editor: Absolutely. Notice how Wallin plays with textures despite the limitations of his medium. The bonnet’s delicate lacework versus the smoother fabric of her dress creates a tactile contrast. It also accentuates the delicate curvature of her nose and chin. These elements contribute to an overall sense of harmony and control. Curator: The profile view has a potent symbolic meaning— a restrained revelation of self. Think about its visual shorthand, like that on coins or cameos. But it is a specific act of communication. What is she trying to convey with this choice of representation? Editor: It does bring the concept of status and representation into consideration. The fact that it's monochrome reduces distraction; it reinforces the focus on form and essence. In that way, it reminds me a bit of minimalist photography even though that would be decades in the future. Curator: Ultimately, her directness coupled with the visual simplicity speaks volumes. I perceive it as a message that goes far beyond simple likeness; it speaks to her value system. Editor: I concur; this work allows us a glimpse of someone defined by character and an echo of their historical milieu—brought to life with simple elegance.