Mrs. Peter De Lancey

"Mrs. Peter De Lancey" is a portrait painted by American artist Matthew Pratt around 1771. The subject of the painting is Mary De Lancey, the wife of Peter De Lancey, a prominent New York merchant and politician. The work is notable for its depiction of the sitter in a fashionable gown, reflecting the style of the period. Pratt's use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, while the background features a landscape that adds depth to the composition. The painting is significant for its representation of colonial American portraiture and the social status of women in the 18th century. Matthew Pratt was influenced by European artistic traditions, yet he contributed to the development of American art. The current location of the painting is the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Further details about the painting's provenance or exhibition history are not extensively documented.

"Mrs. Peter De Lancey," painted by Matthew Pratt around 1771, is an oil on canvas portrait that depicts a woman seated in a three-quarter pose. The subject is dressed in an elegant gown characterized by a light color palette, which contrasts with the darker background. Her attire features intricate details, including lace and fabric textures, highlighting the fashion of the period. The woman's expression is serene, and her gaze is directed slightly off to the side, suggesting a sense of introspection. The composition is balanced, with the figure occupying the central space, while the use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the form. Pratt's brushwork demonstrates a refined technique, particularly in the rendering of the subject's facial features and hands. The overall atmosphere of the painting conveys a sense of dignity and grace, reflective of the sitter's social status.