Ann Old Coleman (Mrs. Robert Coleman) c. 1820

Jacob Eichholtz painted this portrait of Ann Old Coleman, likely in the early 19th century, using oil on canvas. The portrait’s composition and its subject’s clothing adhere to the conventions of the time, reflecting Ann Coleman’s social standing and identity. But portraits don't only show a likeness, they also communicate the sitter’s values and how they want to be seen. Here, Ann Coleman sits calmly. The book on the table beside her suggests education and learning. Her dress is simple and elegant, hinting at a certain affluence. The setting too, with its draped curtain, indicates a comfortable domesticity. Historical sources like letters, diaries, and genealogical records, when combined with an understanding of early American social customs, can shed light on Ann Coleman’s life. These resources help us to fully understand how individuals like her lived within the context of their own time. They tell us about her world and how she wanted to represent herself within it.