Mary Cuthbert (Mrs. James Cuthbert) (?) c. 1765

This is a portrait of Mary Cuthbert, possibly painted by Jeremiah Theus in the mid-18th century. The artist employs a composition of geometric forms: the rectangular backdrop, softened by an oval of the sitter’s face, all framed by a rounded form of blue fabric. The composition emphasizes symmetry and balance, reflecting the Enlightenment values of order and reason. Note how Theus uses colour to define form and draw the eye. The cool blues and whites of Mary Cuthbert’s dress and cap contrast with the warm, earthy tones of the background. This contrast not only creates a visual hierarchy, but also signifies her elevated social status. Her pose is a calculated arrangement of lines and angles, from the delicate curve of her hand to the book which offers a symbolic gesture of her literacy. Theus invites us to consider how portraiture can serve not only as a likeness but also as a carefully constructed representation of identity within a cultural and philosophical context.