Catherine Brass Yates 1793 - 1794

Gilbert Stuart painted this portrait of Catherine Brass Yates, probably in the late 18th or early 19th century, using oil on canvas. Stuart was known for his portraits of prominent figures in early America, often depicting them in a straightforward, unembellished style. Here, the sitter's dress and bonnet, rendered in luminous whites and greys, indicate a certain social status. Her engagement with needlework speaks to the domestic roles that were commonly expected of women at the time. But it also provides an insight into her identity that goes beyond those social expectations. Stuart’s work is an invaluable resource for social historians. We can look at his portraits alongside other period documents, such as letters, diaries, and household inventories, to build a richer understanding of the sitter's life and the world they inhabited. Examining the history of art institutions and their collecting practices further illuminates how these portraits have come to be valued and displayed over time.