Mrs. Peter De Lancey (Elizabeth Colden, 1720–1784) 1778 - 1788

This is George Engleheart's miniature portrait of Elizabeth Colden, painted in watercolor on ivory. Engleheart, active in the late 18th century, captured the likenesses of the British elite and their colonial counterparts. The painting offers a glimpse into the life of a woman navigating the complexities of colonial society. Elizabeth Colden, married into the prominent De Lancey family, occupied a unique position in the social hierarchy of colonial New York. Though her gaze is soft, the details of her attire speak volumes about her status and the expectations placed upon women of her class. The delicate lace cap and the subtle hint of a patterned dress beneath her shawl suggest a life of refinement and domestic responsibility. It invites us to consider the roles women played in shaping the cultural and social landscape of their time.