Sarah Wentworth Apthorp, Mrs. Perez Morton (1802). Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828). Oil on canv
Sarah Wentworth Apthorp, Mrs. Perez Morton (1802). Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828). Oil on canvas. Worcester Art Museum.Praised in literary circles as “The American Sappho,” the Boston poet Sarah Wentworth Apthorp (Mrs. Perez Morton) 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. -- source link
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