Mrs. Addin Lewis (Fanny Lewis) 1830

This is Samuel Morse’s oil on canvas portrait of Mrs. Addin Lewis, or Fanny Lewis. Morse was a man of many talents, who spent his early career painting portraits of the American elite. Look closely at the details. Fanny is adorned in a lace collar and velvet coat. Her dress and jewelry mark her social standing, which is further emphasized by the formality of the portrait setting. Portraits such as this one played an important role in the social life of 19th-century America. They were a way for families to display their wealth and status. The act of commissioning a portrait was also a social ritual. The sitter would often spend hours with the artist, discussing their life and aspirations. To truly understand this painting, we must examine the social and institutional contexts in which it was created. Archival records, letters, and diaries can provide valuable insights into the lives of both the artist and the sitter. These kinds of resources help to illuminate the complex relationship between art and society.