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Portraiture in the European Colonies

In the eighteenth-century aristocratic and wealthy people commissioned portraits. People dressed in their best clothes when sitting for portraits. In viceregal Mexico and in the British colonies, portrait painters followed European styles. The portraits presented here reflect the different tastes and cultures of Mexico City and Charleston, South Carolina.

 

Portrait of a Lady Franz Mayer Collection Miguel de Herrera 1782
Portrait of Mrs. John Champneys Bayou Bend Collection Jeremiah Theus 1763
Portrait of a Lady
Franz Mayer Collection
Portrait of Mrs. John Champneys
Bayou Bend Collection

Miguel de Herrara
1782

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(58K, 21sec on 28K)

Dress
Miguel de Herrera painted the Mexican lady in an elaborately patterned silk brocade dress adorned with lace ribbon and yards of lace at the bodice and sleeves.

Jeremiah Theus
1763

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(46K, 17sec on 28K)

Dress
Mrs. Champneys wears a rich satin dress trimmed with ermine, lace and pearls. Jeremiah Theus based these clothes on printed portraits of English aristocrats. Mrs. Champneys probably did not own clothes depicted here.

Jewelry
The jewelry in this portrait is lavish. She wears bracelets, a watch, earrings, and holds an ivory fan.

Jewelry
Mrs. Champneys wears a simple necklace.

Hairstyle
The woman here has an elaborate, high hair style. Note especially the nine diamond ornaments in her hair.

Hairstyle
Mrs. Champneys has a simple, unadorned hair style.

Social Status
This portrait attests to the aristocratic status of the woman portrayed. As was the habit in Mexico City, she wears lavish jewelry and clothes as evidence of her place in society. Display of wealth is of great importance in viceregal society.
Social Status
Mrs. Champneys belonged to the upper crust in Charleston, one of the wealthiest cities in the British colonies. Although presented as having great status, she presents herself here with greater restraint than the Mexican lady.


Learn more about women in Mexican history:

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Learn more about women in British history:

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