Mrs. Ethan Stone (Abigail Maria Storrs) 1792 - 1795

William Verstille painted this miniature portrait of Mrs. Ethan Stone, Abigail Maria Storrs, in the late 18th century, likely using oil on ivory. Consider the social function of portrait miniatures at this time. In an era before photography, these small, intimate likenesses served as keepsakes, tokens of affection, and markers of social status. They were often commissioned by the wealthy, reflecting a society deeply stratified by class. Verstille, as a portrait painter, would have relied on the patronage of elite families like the Stones. The sitter’s dress and hairstyle, though rendered in monochrome, speak to prevailing fashions and ideals of beauty. The meticulous detail, from the ruffled lace collar to the carefully arranged curls, suggests a concern with projecting a particular image. Historical documents, genealogical records, and studies of early American portraiture can help us to understand the social dynamics at play in this image, revealing how art both reflected and shaped the values of its time.