Letitia Grace McCurdy 1802

Joshua Johnson's 1802 portrait of Letitia Grace McCurdy is a charming example of American folk art. The young girl is depicted in a white dress with a red sash, holding a piece of bread for her dog. The simple composition and the use of muted colors create a sense of intimacy and charm. The background is a blur of color and forms that could be interpreted as either an indoor space or a garden setting. The painting exemplifies the emerging artistic style of the young American nation.