Eliza Wells 1840

Curator: Oh, what a fascinating gaze! There's a serenity there, but also something... watchful. It feels like a hidden story. Editor: Indeed! We're looking at a portrait from 1840 entitled "Eliza Wells", by Abram Ross Stanley. He worked primarily in New York. A superb example of American folk art. Curator: Folk art. Right. That explains the birds above the head...they are whimsical. What about that odd border of wisteria or grapes? A burst of color contrasting against the dark background and simple frame. So is the painting actually "in" the frame? It's messing with my perspective. Editor: It does play with our notions of traditional portraiture, doesn't it? But that flatness, that directness—it speaks volumes about the sitter and the society around her. And, the placement of Wells, not alone in front of an undefined space, but as if a part of an American city is her space is important to this art form. She has rights. Curator: And what rights do you assume for her, sir? Do you think that the city scene is "her space," or a social indicator of Wells' family. Also, is that meant to be Venice off in the distance, across the back, off in the sky?! I'm quite intrigued by the lack of technical rendering here, and almost feel as though the artist made up a place. Editor: You are certainly looking through an "artist's eyes" and perspective, indeed! But, technically speaking, during this time, such naive rendering was common for artists and in paintings. It reflects more of their own rendering rather than being something out of nothingness. I believe there are some allegories to what it suggests to you! Curator: Haha! Perhaps the artist did what he saw in front of himself and took some creative liberties, too. The frame gives such context here, making me feel less trapped by strict formality. So it's as if Stanley wasn't afraid to show a little...personality, huh? The color of the clothes adds charm as well, a bit out of balance yet perfect in their place. Editor: Precisely. And those imperfections, as you call them, provide incredible insight into the priorities and cultural values placed on a sitter such as Wells during the time! This work is full of character. Curator: It is! I'm taking Eliza Wells with me!