Susannah or Mary Bontecou 1765 - 1770

"Susannah or Mary Bontecou" is a portrait painting by John Durand, created between 1765 and 1770. The painting, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases a woman adorned in a blue dress with a pearl necklace and a rose pinned to her bodice. Durand, a prominent American portrait painter, was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the likeness of his sitters. This painting exemplifies the artistic style of the 18th century in America, where portraits were a popular genre, often commissioned by wealthy individuals as a means of preserving their memory. The painting's elegant composition and realistic depiction of its subject contribute to its enduring appeal and its place as a significant piece of American art history.