Rebecca Bryan White (Mrs. John White) 1788

Charles Willson Peale painted this portrait of Rebecca Bryan White, wife of Colonel John White, likely in 1789. Peale, a prominent figure in the American Enlightenment, painted portraits of leading political and military figures, as well as their families. Here, Rebecca is depicted with a fashionable hairstyle and dress, which symbolizes her status within colonial society. Yet, it’s important to consider the silences in this image: what does it mean to be a woman of status in the late 18th century? How does her identity intersect with prevailing societal expectations, gender roles, and, perhaps most significantly, the racial dynamics of the time? White’s husband was a known slave owner and, therefore, Rebecca reaped the rewards of his participation in this inhumane system. In many ways, portraits like these reinforced the social hierarchy. As we consider Rebecca Bryan White, it’s crucial to reflect on the complex layers of identity, power, and representation inherent in the art of the era.