Attributed to Daniel Hendrickson – Catharine Hendrickson National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The portrait presents a woman positioned centrally against a landscape backdrop. She is depicted in a three-quarter pose, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes a connection. Her attire suggests a degree of formality and prosperity; she wears a vibrant orange gown with a white lace collar and sleeves, indicative of fashionable dress for the period. The elaborate coiffure, meticulously rendered with delicate floral embellishments, further emphasizes this sense of refinement.
The landscape behind her is simplified, almost schematic in its execution. A low horizon line dominates the lower portion of the composition, giving prominence to a field or meadow. Sparse trees are scattered across the scene, their forms somewhat stylized and lacking detailed foliage. The sky above is rendered in muted tones, contributing to an overall sense of quietude.
Several symbolic elements are incorporated into the painting. A vase filled with red flowers sits on a table to her left; these blooms could represent beauty, passion, or perhaps even fleeting mortality. Two birds appear within the landscape – one perched atop a tree and another in flight. The cardinal’s bright plumage contrasts sharply with the subdued palette of the background, drawing attention to its presence and potentially signifying joy or good fortune. The dove, soaring upwards, might symbolize peace, hope, or spiritual aspiration.
The woman holds a single blue flower in one hand and a fan in the other. The solitary blue blossom stands out against her orange dress, creating a visual focal point and possibly representing humility or faithfulness. The closed fan suggests restraint and decorum, characteristic of societal expectations for women during this era.
The painting’s aesthetic reveals a provincial style, likely executed by an artist with limited formal training but possessing a keen eye for detail and a desire to convey a sense of dignity and respect for the sitter. The somewhat stiff posture and simplified background suggest a focus on capturing likeness rather than achieving artistic virtuosity. Overall, the work conveys a portrait of a woman presented as respectable, virtuous, and connected to her surroundings, albeit in a stylized and symbolic manner.