Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Mrs. James Skirving (Sarah Vinson) |
Artist |
Theus, Jeremiah |
Date |
ca. 1766 |
Medium |
oil |
Support |
canvas |
Dimensions |
30 1/4 x 25 1/4 inches |
Inscription |
NA |
Credit line |
Bequest of Martha Blake Washington |
Accession Number |
1934.009.0005 |
Collection |
Painting |
Sitter's dates |
ca. 1745-1768 |
Description |
Jeremiah Theus came to America in 1735, settling with members of his family in Orangeburgh Township. By 1740 he was advertising himself in the South Carolina Gazette as a limner willing to decorate coaches and chaises and later offering to teach drawing. Working in the environs of Charleston his entire life, Theus seems to have enjoyed a good deal of success with little competition except from artists who painted Charlestonians while they were abroad. His Baroque style remained in fashion until the late 1760s, when the Neoclassical style was introduced to Charleston. The portraits of Captain James Skirving and his wife were most likely painted after their marriage in 1766. They are housed in their original mahogany frames, which are thought to be by Charleston cabinetmaker Thomas Elfe. Notes: This text is adapted from Martha Severens "Selections from the Collection of the Carolina Art Association" published by the Carolina Art Association, 1977 |
Subjects |
Skirving Figures woman Portraits Clothing & dress Jewelry Extravagance |
Image |
001\1934.09.05.JPG |