Alsa Slade 1816

This portrait, painted by Ammi Phillips in 1816, depicts Alsa Slade, likely a member of the local community. The work exemplifies the style of American folk art, characterized by its simple composition, strong colors, and direct representation of the sitter. Alsa Slade's modest dress and the detailed rendering of her hands engaged in needlework, suggest the importance of domestic skills and the value placed on craftsmanship during this era. The overall effect of the painting is one of quiet dignity and reserved strength, reflecting the values of rural American life in the early 19th century.