Mary Louisa Adams 

Asher Brown Durand’s portrait of Mary Louisa Adams is a charming example of American portraiture from the 19th century. The young girl is depicted in a simple white dress, with delicate lace detailing, and a black ribbon headband, capturing the innocence and beauty of childhood. Durand's meticulous brushwork renders the sitter's features with a softness and clarity that reflects the romanticism of the era. This intimate portrait, now housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, offers a glimpse into the lives of a young girl and the artistic sensibility of the period.