The paintings “Anne Pollard” and “Elizabeth Freake” both represent early American portraiture and the countries’ stylistic influences. The portrait “Anne Pollard has a very flattened appearance more congruent with early religious art. Her portrait speaks of a dedication to religion and piousness with her somber, humble clothing and bible prominently clutches to her chest. Her expression is stern. The shading is very dark creating a lot of contrast within the subject. Her face and features appear slightly elongated, again harkening back to pre-renaissance religious art. The features are also over exaggerated. Emphasis is drawn to the face with the use of the lighter colors surrounding it such as the collar and bonnet.
In the painting “Elizabeth Freake” a more naturalistic approach is taken. Her and her child’s features have much more realistic proportions. Depth is also used to create a sense of space making the figures appear more 3-D than the figure of Ms. Pollard. The colors are more vibrant speaking of a more “playful” atmosphere. The figures are smiling and in a much more relaxed pose. The painting has less contrast than that of “Anne Pollard” instead using color to draw emphasis to the figures. The setting is more ornate with attention given to the furnishings and details on their attire.
Overall these two paintings show an evolution in American thought. The painting of “Anne Pollard” indicates a strict puritan like ideal where religion and modesty reign supreme. The painting of “Elizabeth Freake” in contrast represents the more light hearted aspect of American life where a woman and child share a tender moment. Both paintings create an image of women in colonial America and the different views they must have had.
Works Cited:
American Visions: Unit 3 &4: Colonial Era Painting and Sculpture to 1700
