Ann King 1817 - 1881

Richard Morrell Staigg painted this miniature portrait of Ann King, date unknown, using watercolor on ivory. Portraits in the 19th century functioned as symbols of status and identity. While portraiture was typically reserved for men, who held positions of power, this miniature grants us insight into the world of a woman during this time. The softness with which Staigg renders King, contrasted with the more severe and direct portrayals of men, highlights the gendered expectations of the era. Notice her dress, which although fashionable, is demure. The artist’s delicate brushstrokes and soft lighting convey a sense of femininity. The painting reflects the cultural emphasis on women’s virtue and domestic role. In this light, King’s gaze seems to hold a quiet strength that both acknowledges and perhaps gently challenges the limitations placed upon her.