Portrait of a Lady 1787 - 1844

Nathaniel Rogers painted this small watercolor on ivory, “Portrait of a Lady,” during a time when America was still defining its cultural identity. The portrait captures a woman adorned in the fashion of the early 19th century. Her high-waisted dress, delicate lace bonnet, and the soft curls framing her face speak to the era’s emphasis on elegance and refinement. But, who was she? And what does it mean to have your portrait painted at this time? In this period, portraiture was more than just capturing a likeness; it was about conveying status, respectability, and adherence to social norms. Rogers, as a portraitist, was thus involved in constructing and reinforcing the image of the American elite. This woman is presented demurely, gazing confidently, aware of her position and the gaze upon her. Yet, within this seemingly conventional representation, we might also consider the subtle ways in which women navigated and expressed their identities within the confines of their time. The very act of commissioning a portrait could be seen as a declaration of self-worth. It gives us a glimpse into the personal and emotional landscape of a woman living in a transformative period of American history.