The artwork titled “Maria Rebecca Davison (née Duncan)” is a portrait created by the artist Charles Turner in 1809, during the Romanticism art movement. This genre of the painting, the portrait, captures the likeness and personality of the sitter, who in this case is Maria Rebecca Davison.
The depicted subject of the painting is a woman, presented from the waist up, captured within an arched frame that suggests a classic portrait setting. The woman has fair skin and dark, curled hair arranged with informal elegance. Her expression conveys a sense of gentle approachability; her eyes gaze directly at the viewer with a mixture of confidence and amiability.
She is adorned in a dress that reflects the fashion of the early 19th century, notably featuring a deep blue bodice with a low square neckline, accented by a white underdress with puffed sleeves. The bodice has a central decorative element that cinches it, accentuating her waist. A red shawl or cloak drapes over one of her arms, adding a touch of rich color to the composition.
The portrait exudes the Romantic sensibilities of the time, with an emphasis on the individual and a hint of emotional expression. The skillful use of soft coloration and shading contributes to the lifelike representation of the subject while still maintaining a sense of idealized beauty characteristic of the era’s portraiture. The inscription at the bottom of the piece identifies the subject and acknowledges the artist and creators involved in the production of the print.
