Maria Antoinette Charlotte Sanderson (1782-1859), Wife of Johan Fraser 1835

Curator: This is Charles Howard Hodges’ 1835 oil painting, “Maria Antoinette Charlotte Sanderson (1782-1859), Wife of Johan Fraser,” currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first impression? She looks reserved, almost stoic. The palette is quite muted, a study in greens and blacks. There is very little contrast. It speaks of somber elegance. Curator: It is interesting you notice the colors and sobriety first. Hodges’ approach is quite telling here; while a commissioned portrait like this suggests a celebration of wealth and status, the muted tones suggest more somber values of domesticity and reserve which are perhaps even more powerful signals of status in Dutch culture in this period. What do you notice in terms of symbolism, of her pose or jewelry perhaps? Editor: The almost neoclassical hairstyle feels studied, doesn’t it? There's a sense of carefully constructed presentation at play. It reminds me of the deliberate visual messaging of earlier aristocratic portraiture but within the confines of bourgeois expectation and dress codes. Even that thin golden necklace, which draws your eye, feels deliberately understated to me, doesn't shout wealth, just suggests it. It projects a quiet but solid confidence, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Indeed. Hodges was an interesting character himself. Originally from England, he came to the Netherlands later in life and established quite the practice, and was renowned for his sensitive portraiture that captured subtle character nuances like this. It makes one think about the nature of this oil, and the status that came along with the production of this work. How many people do you think this image came into contact with at that point? How long did Hodges have to work with Maria to create this piece? Editor: I'd hazard to guess a great deal of work considering all the detailing within the fabrics and hair itself. Given the period, this was also quite expensive due to materials like pigments being challenging to produce and attain which indicates just how highly she valued such luxury. What is particularly appealing is the realism, which comes close to the ideals of the time. But more so it communicates something particular about her self and how Hodges sees her, wouldn't you agree? It has me wanting to learn more. Curator: Precisely. Considering the societal factors influencing its commission and artistic creation helps reveal new understandings. Editor: Indeed, understanding the cultural framework deepens my understanding. It goes beyond just pigments on a canvas, and into memory.