Portrait of a Young Woman 1822 - 1901

Samuel Worcester Rowse made this delicate portrait in graphite on paper, though we don't know exactly when. It reflects a broader nineteenth-century trend in the United States, where artists like Rowse gained popularity for their portrait drawings. What we see in this image is, on the surface, a straightforward depiction of a young woman adorned with fashionable attire: a decorative hat and pearl necklace. But the image speaks to the emergence of a middle class with disposable income and time for leisure. This demographic fueled a demand for personalized art that was less expensive than oil paintings. Artists like Rowse were savvy in understanding that market. Looking at Rowse’s drawing through a historical lens, we can better appreciate how art reflects and responds to changing social structures. The portrait becomes a cultural artifact, embodying the values, aspirations, and economic realities of its time. It invites us to explore the reciprocal relationship between art and society.