Connecticut Sea Captain's Wife

Isaac Sheffield

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a half-length portrait of a woman seated in a chair. She is facing slightly to her right, with her gaze directed towards the viewer. She has fair skin, blue eyes, and a solemn expression. Her hair is dark brown and styled in an elaborate updo with large, smooth rolls on either side of her head. She wears a black dress with voluminous sleeves and a high white ruffled collar. She has a brooch around her neck, gold earrings, and a ring with a green stone on her left hand, which is holding a book. The setting features a dark red curtain behind her, partially pulled back to reveal a countryside landscape through a window. A portion of the chair with a curved golden edge is also visible to her left.