The artwork, titled “Sarah Homes Tappan,” was created by Gilbert Stuart in 1814 and belongs to the Romanticism art movement. It is a portrait painting, meticulously capturing the subject in a formal pose.
In the artwork, Sarah Homes Tappan is depicted seated, wearing a modest red gown with a high, white ruffled collar, and complemented by a white bonnet adorned with delicate lace. Her serene and composed expression, with soft light highlighting her face, reflects the refined portraiture technique characteristic of Gilbert Stuart. The background is minimally detailed, drawing focus to the subject’s facial features and attire, which are rendered with great precision and depth. The chiaroscuro effect, a hallmark of Romanticism, adds a dramatic contrast, enhancing the overall elegance and timeless quality of the portrait. The composition and choice of attire reflect simplicity and grace, suggesting the subject’s dignified stature.