Mrs. Noah Smith and Family

Ezra Ames, 1830

MEDIUMOil on canvas
DIMENSIONS160.5 × 112.7 cm (65 × 83 3/4 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONArts of the Americas
CULTUREUnited States
CREDIT LINEBequest of Joseph Winterbotham

This engaging family portrait by Ezra Ames offers a glimpse into early 19th-century American domestic life, capturing the personalities and relationships of Mrs. Noah Smith and her children with warmth and detail.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In this family portrait, Mrs. Noah Smith sits at the center, her gaze direct and confident. She holds a book, perhaps a Bible, suggesting her role as a moral guide within the household. Her two children flank her, the daughter holding a delicate flower while the son stands with a dog at his side, symbols of innocence and loyalty. The family is depicted in a domestic interior, rendered with a warmth that speaks to the comfort and stability of their lives. The artist, Ezra Ames, was a popular portrait painter in Albany, New York, during the early 19th century, known for capturing the likenesses and social standing of his subjects. Here, he masterfully balances individual personalities with a harmonious family dynamic, reflecting the values of the era.

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What to Notice

1

The daughter's white dress, contrasting with her mother's darker attire.

2

The small dog at the son's feet, looking up attentively.

3

The patterned carpet and the simple wooden chair.

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This engaging family portrait by Ezra Ames offers a glimpse into early 19th-century American domestic life, capturing the personalities and relationships of Mr…

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THE ARTIST
Ezra Ames

Ezra Ames was a prolific portrait painter in early 19th-century Albany, New York, known for capturing over 700 likenesses, including Governor George Clinton and Alexander Hamilton.

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