Mrs. Ichabod M. Cushman (nee Nancy Blymer)

Henry Williams

1787–1830 · Pastel on blue wove paper laid down to tan paper · The American Wing

In choosing pastel for this portrait, Williams was following John Singleton Copley, who developed great skill in the medium before he left Boston for a career in England in 1774. Whereas Copley preferred a velvety surface of chalks, Williams applied distinct strokes of pastel on a carefully blended layer of pigment. Williams softened the tones of the face by stumping, a technique of smudging strokes using a tight roll of paper or a chamois tied with a string, or even the artist’s finger. He subsequently added several parallel, diagonal strokes of pink on Mrs. Cushman’s brow and cheek. Having deftly manipulated the crayon to render the diaphanous fabric of the bodice, Williams also applied strokes of white along the ruffled neckline so that it would contrast with the smoothed surface beneath.

Artist

Henry Williams

Date

1787–1830

Medium

Pastel on blue wove paper laid down to tan paper

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1927