Mrs. Reuben Allerton (Lois Atherton) 1821 - 1822

Ammi Phillips, a prominent American folk artist, painted *Mrs. Reuben Allerton (Lois Atherton)* in 1821-1822. The portrait, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts Mrs. Allerton in a simple black dress and white cap, holding a newspaper, her spectacles perched atop her head. The straightforward composition and detailed rendering of the sitter are typical of Phillips's style, which often featured local residents from his native New England. The painting offers a glimpse into the life of a well-respected woman of the era, her stern expression hinting at her strong character.