Rachel Spears Johnston (1786-1850) c. 1837

This portrait, painted by George Caleb Bingham in 1837, depicts Rachel Speads Johnston, a prominent figure from the early 19th century. The oil-on-panel painting captures Johnston in a simple yet elegant pose, wearing a white lace cap and a black dress. This work exemplifies Bingham’s early portraiture style, characterized by precise detail and a focus on capturing the sitter’s individuality. The painting is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.