The artwork titled “Henrietta Maria Bordley” was crafted by the distinguished artist Charles Willson Peale in the year 1773. This piece belongs to the Rococo art movement and adheres to the portrait genre, capturing a delicate and sophisticated representation of the subject, Henrietta Maria Bordley.
In the artwork, Henrietta Maria Bordley is depicted as a poised and serene young girl, gazing directly at the viewer. She wears an elegant white dress with detailed lace trimmings and pink ribbon embellishments on the sleeves. A black ribbon necklace adorns her neck, adding a subtle contrast to her attire. She holds a lush bouquet of lilacs, emphasizing the Rococo penchant for natural elements and soft colors. The background is shadowy, which highlights her illuminated figure, while a stack of books rests on the table beside her, reflecting a cultured and educated background. The artist’s delicate brushwork and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the lifelike portrayal of the subject’s youthful features and the intricate textures of her clothing and surroundings.