Collections record Beta

Oil Painting - Mabel Ruggles Canfield

1917-04-4

Oil on canvas 3/4-length portrait of Mabel Ruggles Canfield seated in green bow-back Windsor side chair. She is wearing a yellow gold silk dress and holding several large feathers in her hand. She has an elaborate lace cap on her head and double ruffle lace collar down the front of her dress. Her dress is cinched at the waist with a wide silk band. The background of her portrait displays a landscape scene.

SITTER: Daughter of Lazarus Ruggles of New Milford. Married Judson Canfield in 1786. Mother of Elizabeth H., Julia E., and Judson Canfield (see 1917-04-5). Sister of Philo Ruggles. ARTIST: 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

1796

Painting: 46" x 47"; Frame, 55" x 43"

• canvas
• oil