Gilbert Stuart, completed by an unknown artist – Charlotte Morton Dexter (Mrs. Andrew Dexter) National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The portrait presents a woman in a three-quarter view, her gaze directed slightly off-center with a subtle, almost enigmatic expression. The artist has rendered her complexion with delicate gradations of color, suggesting a soft luminosity and emphasizing the smoothness of her skin. Her hair is styled in elaborate ringlets, meticulously arranged around her face and secured with what appears to be a decorative band or ribbon. The warm tones of the hair – ranging from golden highlights to deeper auburn shades – contrast effectively against the darker background.
The woman’s attire consists of a high-waisted gown, likely indicative of early 19th-century fashion. The fabric is rendered with a focus on texture and drape; the sleeves are puffed at the shoulders and fall loosely over her arms, while the bodice appears to be subtly gathered or pleated. A pale blue sash cinches the waist, adding a touch of color and defining the figure’s silhouette.
The background is dark and undifferentiated, serving primarily to isolate the subject and draw attention to her features and clothing. The absence of any discernible setting contributes to an air of formality and timelessness.
Subtleties in the painting suggest a carefully constructed persona. Her posture conveys both grace and composure, while the slight inclination of her head introduces a hint of modesty or reserve. The artist’s attention to detail – the delicate rendering of her eyelashes, the subtle blush on her cheeks – implies an intention to portray not just a likeness but also a particular ideal of feminine beauty and virtue. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, suggesting a woman of considerable social standing and refined sensibilities.