Rebecca Wetherill 1849

George Hewitt Cushman painted this portrait of Rebecca Wetherill on ivory, a popular material for miniatures during the 19th century. Cushman was a skilled miniaturist working in a time when portraiture served as a powerful tool for establishing identity and social status. Miniature portraits like this one offered a tangible way to maintain connections and served as intimate keepsakes. Note the sitter's gaze. Cushman has captured Rebecca Wetherill looking slightly to the side of the viewer, a coy look to show she is both modest and aware. Rebecca's pale skin and delicate features align with the idealized standards of beauty of the period. The soft brushstrokes and luminous quality of the ivory enhance her ethereal appearance. The blue shawl adds a touch of color, but also speaks to a certain demureness. As we consider this miniature, let’s reflect on how portraiture can both reflect and shape societal perceptions of beauty and status.