Hannah Pemberton 1734

John Smibert painted Hannah Pemberton's portrait with oil on canvas. Smibert was an interesting character who was already an established artist in London when he accepted Bishop Berkeley’s offer to teach at the short-lived St. Paul’s College in Bermuda. The college was never built but Smibert stayed in the colonies, settling in Boston and making a living as a portrait painter. This portrait gives us a glimpse into the life of a colonial woman. The simplicity of the composition keeps the focus on Hannah's face, inviting viewers to connect with her on a personal level. Hannah is dressed in a silk robe. The cut of the gown hints at the body beneath, adding a sensuality that is interesting in a puritan society. The red silk robe suggests wealth and status, yet her gaze and posture convey a sense of reserved dignity. This portrait captures the complex interplay between personal identity and social expectations, reflecting the evolving roles of women in colonial America.