Portrait of Woman with Ruffled Cap
Milton W. Hopkins (attributed to)
circa 1832 – 1836 (Date manufactured/created)
Artwork
Although this painting has survived, the woman’s identity—her name and who she was—has not. But the portrait still does its job, perpetuating her memory and providing the viewer with some information about her. She wears two rings, one with the initials MP—most likely her own. The focus of the portrait is her elaborate cap, which wraps around her face and serves as a sign, along with her jewelry, of her wealth. This style of clothing also dates her to the 1830s. She holds a red book with gilded edges, so the portrait also tells us that she was a literate and learned individual.
Gift of Mrs. Arthur N. Peck
A - 1967