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Oil Painting - "Susannah Carrington Thomas and Daughter Ann"

2007-18-2

Susannah is wearing a gold/mustard colored gown with black ribbon around waist and large white lace shawl around shoulders and neck. She has dark eyes and hair. Her hair is pulled back simply with one curl laying on her shoulder. She is sitting on a red upholstered chair with a rounded back. Ann stands to her right. She is wearing a white dress with a ruffle at her neck. Sleeves are cinched with pink ribbon. Pink ribbon tied around her waist. Mother and daughter are holding hands. Crimson curtain with gold fringe behind them. Newer frame with grain painting on outside edge with gold border around canvas.

Donor's husband, Winthrop Carter Lockwood was a direct descendant of Frederick Thomas. Paintings have been passed down through family.

Ralph Earl was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts to a family of farmers and craftsmen. A Loyalist, Earl refused to fight during the Revolutionary War, eventually fleeing to England and leaving his wife and children. In England, Earl studied in the studio of well-known American artist and expatriate Benjamin West. He returned to America after the war with a new wife and established himself as a portraitist in New York. Alcoholism and growing debt landed Earl in prison from 1786 to 1788. With the aid of New York patrons, he regained his freedom through portrait commissions and settled in Connecticut. His straightforward portraits and occasional landscapes are noted for highlighting the achievements and material wealth of his Connecticut clientele.

• Earl, Ralph, 1751-1801

1795

35" long x 31" wide

• wood
• canvas
• oil