Silhouette of John Foster Stearns (1788-1872)

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

This portrait provides a good example of early 19th century men’s fashion. Mr. Stearns wears a white shirt with the collar turned up (and heavily starched) and around his collar he wears a white “stock”. This one has ruffles attached and is for more formal wear. His hairstyle is typical of the time period as well, with long sideburns and the front combed back. Most men of his time were clean-shaven. Having one’s portrait painted was a special occasion that not all could afford so sitters usually donned their best clothing for the occasion.

Related Items

Details

Item typePainting
CreatorUnidentified
Date1816
PlaceDeerfield, Massachusetts
TopicArt, Music, Literature, Crafts
EraNational Expansion and Reform, 1816–1860
MaterialPaper; Paint
Process/FormatPainting; Watercolor
Dimension detailsHeight (framed): 5.75 in Width (framed): 4.62 in
Catalog #N.220
View this item in our curatorial database →
Unidentified. Silhouette of John Foster Stearns (1788-1872). Painting. 1816. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/n-220/. Accessed on December 9, 2024.

Please note: Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.