Miss Sarah Porter
Artist
Robert Bolling Brandegee
(1849 - 1922)
Datec. 1900
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions23 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. (59.7 x 49.5 cm)
ClassificationsOil Painting
Credit LineJohn Butler Talcott Fund
Terms
Object number1924.02
DescriptionMiss Sarah Porter (1813-1900) was one of the most accomplished and influential individuals in Connecticut. She studied privately with Yale professors, and in 1843, she established Miss Porter's School in Farmington. She was one of the foremost voices in her generation to advocate education for women. Many of the historic houses in Farmington were restored through her efforts of conservation. Porter's accomplishments were extraordinary during her time, and have continued to improve the community up to the present. This painting shows Porter in her later years dressed in a simple black garment, which allows the viewer to focus on her face. Unlike many portraits of women of the time, this painting is not meant to merely display the beauty of the sitter. Rather, we see Porter looking off contemplatively into the distance with a sensitive and intelligent countenance.On View
On view
