Sarah Wentworth Apthorp, Mrs. Perez Morton

Artist Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828)

Dateabout 1802

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensionscanvas: 74 × 61.3 cm (29 1/8 × 24 1/8 in.)

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineGift of the grandchildren of Joseph Tuckerman

Terms

Object number1899.2

DescriptionPortrait of a slightly larger than-half-length view of standing woman wearing a white dress and adjusting a sheer white flowing veil with both hands. The subject’s gaze is directed toward the viewer. Background sky varies in color from blue to cream-colored to gray.
Label TextNotwithstanding his questionable business practices- often overlooked by patrons because of his artistic genius- Stuart was the most inventive and influential portrait painter of the Federal era. Much of his success rested on his ability to convey through an unlabored, graceful style the dignity and character of his subjects, whether they were presidents or merchants. Praised in literary circles as "The American Sappho," the Boston poet Sarah Wentworth Apthorp (Mrs. Perez Morton; 1759-1846) sat for Stuart for three portraits, of which this is by far the most dynamic. An unfinished sketch, the picture reflects Stuart's emphasis on features and expression. Close examination shows that he first painted Mrs. Morton's arms folded at her waist and then redrew them adjusting her lace mantilla in a seemingly spontaneous gesture. The sympathetic rapport between artist and sitter revealed in this vibrant, intimate likeness is documented in an exchange of poetic verse in which the painter and poet each extol the talents of the other.ProvenanceFound in Stuart's studio after his death, it remained in the possession of Mrs. Stuart and then of her daughter, Jane until 1862 when Miss Stuart sold it to Ernest Tuckerman of Newport, RI. At his death it passed to his father Joseph Tuckerman, who bequathed the portrait to Honorable Stephen Salisbury III (1835-1905) of Worcester, MA, his first cousin. In 1898 Mr. Salisbury gave it to the Worcester Art Museum and at his request it is labelled as the gift of the grandchildren of Joseph Tuckerman. *Note: February 21, 1899 vote of the trustees reads: To extend the thanks of the directors to Mr. Paul Tuckerman for the gift from the estate of Joseph Tuckerman.*

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