The artwork titled “Mrs. Thomas Elliot (Mary Chase),” created by Charles Willson Peale in 1787, is a portrait belonging to the Rococo art movement. The artwork depicts Mary Chase, the wife of Thomas Elliot, and illustrates Peale’s mastery in portraiture during that period.
In the portrait, Mrs. Thomas Ellott is seated and appears in traditional 18th-century attire. She is adorned with a white bonnet, which frames her composed and contemplative face. Her attire is modest, featuring a shawl with intricate floral patterns draped over her shoulders. The shawl adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the otherwise simple outfit. In her hands, she holds a pair of spectacles and rests them upon a closed book on the table beside her, signifying her intellect and reflective disposition. The background of the artwork is subdued, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain focused on the subject. The overall composition of the portrait exudes a sense of dignity and quiet confidence, characteristic of Peale’s style during the Rococo era.
