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portrait of Elisabeth Augusta of Sulzbach, Alte Pinakothek 1785

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This was from an anonymous source. I believe it shows wealth and status from the furniture, dress, and attire. The crown also shows nobility. She is in a pose that shows power and wisdom. I believe this would accurately represent nobility within that time frame

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This image was created by Anton Graff in 1790 and depicts Elisa von der Recke. It shows a woman standing in a white dress, gazing slightly to the side with what feels to me like an expression of curiosity, wishfulness, and yearning. I think this reflects a lot of the 1790s. Many women at that time did not have rights equal to men. They were mainly seen as supportive figures focused on child-rearing and managing the home. I believe the feeling and expression in this portrait represent what many women of that era felt. yearning for things like education and opportunities beyond the roles assigned to them by society. In Judith Sargent Murray’s 1790 essay On the Equality of the Sexes, she argued for gender equality and for the “invigoration” of women, writing that “our souls by nature are equal.”

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The painting “Anna Stroganova by Voille,” from 1790, illustrates a woman beautifully although its situation may not entirely reflect the life and predicament of various women in the 1790s. Looking closer to this painting, there is an impression of this idealized society showcasing something fashionable and also rich, which is associated to the social standing of Anna Stroganova in this case. Again, the extremes indicated in this work however may not be necessarily shared amongst various women throughout the years who suffered and experienced limited possibilities and expectations. This contrasting situation of glamor and status with the global position of women as illustrated by Stafford’s work “English Feminists and their Opponents in the 1790s,” the author quoted the condemnation of novels that gave the women encouragement, yet demanded their acceptance of limited measure in literature and lit politics (Stafford, 2024) . Further encouragement could be offered to peers to think because art explained by Stafford can encourage reflection of life both as representation as well as in direct experience of living/ real world for women in that time period that could be accepted.

Reference:

Stafford, W. (2024). English Feminists and their Opponents in the 1790s: Unsex’d and Proper Females. In English feminists and their opponents in the 1790s. Manchester University Press. https://www.manchesterhive.com/abstract/9781526184108/9781526184108.xml

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Portrait of Catharine Schaeffer Muhlenberg (1750-1835), by Joseph Wright c. 1790

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This painting shows the wife of congressman Frederick Muhlenberg from Pennsylvania. She is shown in conservative, but high quality clothing, with an elaborate hairstyle that shows her wealth. She is also seated in an expensive looking chair. The book in her hands is most likely a bible or a prayer book, hinting at her piety. This aligns with the concept that American women should be virtuous and educated in order to pass that virtue and education to their children. Called Republican Motherhood, this idea only accepted the education of women as a means to educate their sons. Judith Sargent Murray, a contemporary of Catharine, argued that the mind of a women was just as capable of learning as a man, and had just as many valuable contributions to make to society. The things that were often used to disparage women of the time, she argued were actually strengths. Changing fashion was possible because of the imagination of women, and gossip and “inventive scandal” was hailed as evidence of creativity. She argues that women simply used the avenues they were given in order to engage their minds, and if given the same opportunities as men, their potential could be realized.

“Will it be said that the judgement of a male of two years old, is more sage than that of a female’s of the same age? I believe the reverse is generally observed to be true. But from that period what partiality! How is the one exalted, and the other depressed, by the contrary modes of education which are adopted! The one is taught to aspire, and the other is early confined and limited.”

(There's a wonderful podcast about Judith Sargent Murray's Essay, I'll link it here for anyone interested!)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WLPpZTL25L3bh1ceVchcO?si=440755c067d94895

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Johann Julius Heinsius - A young lady, holding a portrait miniature of a gentleman in her left hand.png

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This painting was created by Johann Julius Heinsius. Although there is no exact date, it is suggested that the portrait was made around the 1790s.

I think the painting shows a woman from a high social class. She looks elegant and the way she holds the small portrait of a man probably means it’s her husband. To me, it symbolizes love, marriage, or family. Her fancy clothes and the way she’s posed make her seem like someone with status, but also someone who represents "pure women" during that time.

This painting doesn’t really show what women were like in the 1790s. In Document 9-2, “I think by this time we may call ourselves mountain proof,” talking about how tough her travels were. Women back then had to deal with a lot of hard physical stuff. But the painting just shows this fancy, perfect image of a high social woman which isn’t how most women actually lived.

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This is a painting of Abigail Starr Taylor, or Mrs. Williams Taylor, done by Ralph Earl in 1790.

I believe this painting shows how women are only seen as wives and homemakers in the 1790s. I believe my statement is supported by the title of the painting. The woman depicted is Abigail Starr Taylor, but she is referred to by her husband's name. I believe this is an accurate representation of women because they were seen as lesser and not treated that same as men from young ages, "As their years increase, the sister must be wholly domesticated, while the brother is led by the hand through all the flowery paths of science." This quote from Judith Sargent Murray shows the early separations and inhibitions women experienced.

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Painted by Thomas Lawrence mostly in 1790. It shows the luxury of high society women looking at the leather gloves and the silky looking shaw. Farren is represented here as a high society lady, elegantly dressed in noble fabrics and fur.

To me it also shows that during that time women we displayed as objects that were own by the men at that time. The painting is of Elizabeth Farren married Edward Smith-Stanley, 12th Earl of Derby in 1797, seven years after the painting. A person wrote saying "she is entirely Elizabeth Farren: carefree, mischievous, jovial, friendly and elegant." But it seems to be completely over shadow by her role as the earls wife.

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This portrait was painted by Jean-Laurent Mosnier in 1790. It depicts an aristocratic lady of the Fresnaye family who has married into another noble family as the Marquise de Grécourt. I believe this painting could be argued as representative of women in the 1790's. While this lady is an aristocrat, and likely wealthier than most women in the 1790's, she is not doing anything out of the ordinary of every day women in this portrait. Judith Sargent Murray discusses the female mind and its equalness to mens' by stating, "Invention is perhaps the most arduous effort of the mind", and explaining that women constantly invent new fashion, making them equal to, if not superior to men in the realm of creativity. While we cannot be sure whether or not this women invented this outfit or not, it is not a stretch to say that in her wearing it, she is at least supporting the creativity of fashion which many women did in this time.

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artist: Henry Bone (original)

copy by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

when: 1803 (copy) of painting 1790 (original)

I imagine when looking at the image that it shows a colonist enjoying the idea of her life being represented through art of her quality of life that was made possible through the voyages of the original colonist with the boat on perhaps the sea in the background. I imagine that maybe the outfit she is wearing is homespun and that the outfit represents the woman's contribution to the culture and economy with the use of the sewing circles that were made famous around this era in America. The animal fur to me says that although she may come from homespun roots, there is some type of wealth in her family because I do not see the average colonist having the ability to own exotic furs or even be able to afford the commissioning of such an art piece. Her shoes also suggest some level beyond what would be essential and that to me says "luxury". In document 9-4 it speaks of disappointment with a sibling of the woman (a brother) having the ability to go to Harvard and not herself and this surely would not be possible for any woman in the colony but more likely to a woman with access to resources perhaps the same resources that provided the ability to have such a painting, furs, shoes and other such luxury's not available to all women in the young America.

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The creator of this portrait was listed as Anonymous, it was created in 1790. I believe that this image is a portrait of a young Russian lady.

I think it doesn't represent the lives of most women during this time because in this image it she appears to look "rich." May come from some type of royalty or wealthy family during this period. In document 9-4, Judith Sargent Murray says " How many reputations, in the fertile brain of a female, have been unterly despoiled?" I do not think that this represents that because it is not making her look bad or removing the valuable or attractiveness from her. In fact I think it is doing the opposite.

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This image was created by the artist Ralph Earl in 1790 of Mr.s Benjamin Tallmadge, her son Henry Floyd, and daughter Maria Jones. I believe it does show a portion of what a woman's life might have been like during this time period. It shows not just a woman with her children but a very well put together family. Women were seen as nothing more than glorified maids and trophy wives to their working husbands. It was common for them to be at home tending to the children and cooking day in and day out while making sure they kept everyone presentable to society at the time. Women no longer were doing manual labor on farms or working, the men were seen as providers and them homemakers who were to be seen and not heard. In the document On the Equality of Sexes it is stated that "Will it be said that the judgement of a male of two years old, is more sage than that of a females of the same age? I believe the reverse is generally observed to be true." Most girls at the time were not offered the same things that men were as far as educational experiences, which made them believe women at that time were incapable of thinking for themselves and not equal to that of a man.

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Mrs. John Nicholson (Hannah Duncan) and John Nicholson, Jr.

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This image was created by Charles Willson Peale in 1790. It is a portrait of a mother and her child. It shows Hannah Duncan (the mother) and John Nicholson, Jr.

It could possibly show the importance that a mother has to play in the life of her child and how she is crucial to her child's development and upbringing. Historically, it could reflect the role of the mother predominantly being the caretaker of her children and having to spend much of her time attending to her household duties.

The image could help understand the general idea of the role of a woman in that era, it doesn't directly tell us much though. What is striking is that the woman is referred to by her husband's name, this shows that women were expected to follow their husband's lead and the man was in charge of the family. There is a smile on her face, which could suggest that she finds joy in raising her child, which helps us wonder; were women at the time really against the idea of primarily being caregivers to their children.

In Judith Sargent Murray's essay, she says, "we can only reason from what we know, and if an opportunity of acquiring knowledge hath been denied us, the inferiority of our sex cannot fairly be deduced from then". So we see how she calls for more opportunities for women, and how that would make it easier to gauge their true abilities.

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This image is a self-portrait painted by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun in 1790. It shows the artist actively at work, holding a palette and brushes while painting a portrait, and confidently looking out toward the viewer. I believe this image represents an important exception to the typical lives of women in the 1790s, as most women were confined to domestic roles and excluded from public or professional life. Vigée Le Brun, however, was able to achieve recognition and success as a professional artist, something very few women could do in this era. This image connects to Document 9-4, where Judith Sargent Murray argues for women’s intellectual equality with men and criticizes the idea that women should be “wholly absorbed in domestic cares.” Vigée Le Brun’s portrait is a visual example of a woman breaking those boundaries, claiming both public recognition and creative independence in a time when most women were denied such opportunities.

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This image was created by Molly Wales Fobes in 1790. This image was titled "Lady with her pets" and does not give the woman a name, indicating that this is most likely not a historical figure from that time, rather a fictional piece of artwork. I believe that the pets in this image symbolize the tension between freedom and control. Pets are free to some extent but are still under humans authority. This mirrors the idea of how much control the government should have versus individual freedom. I think the image also suggests that just as the lady must control and care for her pets, the government must also maintain control over groups of people with competing interests, ultimately not allowing any faction to grow too strong.

I also related this image to sexual inequality at the time. All of these images to choose from are of women. This shows Women's eagerness to prove why they should have equal rights to men. In Judith Sargent Murray's essay from 1790 (On the Equality of the Sexes), she states "The mind will ever be unconquerable, and independent of the body on which it acts." This quote shows her belief that women’s intellectual abilities are just as strong and independent as men’s, emphasizing the need for equal education and rights. This challenged social norms during this time period and initiated the steps for equality for Women.

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Nick Olivier- Portrait of a Woman in the 1790s 

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Nick Olivier- Portrait of a Woman in the 1790s 

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Here is the portrait I selected. I could not find an artist but it was created around the 1790s. I believe this image shows a wealthy woman wearing stylish clothes. She has a feathered hat and a silk or satin dress on. She has a confident smile and powerful posture which suggests that she holds a place of status or is prideful in herself. This image may reflect the life of a “privileged” woman in the 1790s. This painting embodies elegance and pride not everyday labor or limited rights. Document 9-4 goes against the idea that women should only be valued for beauty or domestic roles saying, “How shall we expect them to adorn the human character… if they are only taught to be pleasing?” This quote reminds us that even though this portrait shows her beauty and elegance it doesn’t capture the broader fight for women’s political opinions which were emerging during this time.

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Portrait of Ambroise-Marquerite Bardin created by Jean Bardin in 1791.

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This portrait was created by Jean Bardin in 1791. I believe this image shows a young women in the 18th century who is well dressed and has the skills to be an artist. Although this image gives insights on what Amboise's life was like, I do not believe that its a good representation of a woman's life in the 1790s.

In Judith Sargent Murray's famous essay, "Insists on the Equality of the Sexes", she describes the life of a woman unhappy, unfair, and a lack of liberties. She asks, "in what the minds of females are so notoriously deficient, or unequal?" and she continues to discuss the unfairness for women. They aren't allowed or given the opportunity to get an education like men. She feels that women are continuing their life learning how to be domesticated where men are "led by the hand through all the flowery paths of science". She also discusses how women have domestic duties such as taking care of the family, sewing, taking care of the house, etc. whereas men are getting an education, making decisions, and are leading.

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“Portrait of Marie Thérèse Diane Andrault” by Rose-Adélaïde Ducreux Circa 1790

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This is image is titled “Portrait of Marie Thérèse Diane Andrault”. It was created prior to 1790 by Rose-Adélaïde Ducreux. This portrait portrays Diane Maignard de la Vaupailliere. She is reading a paper and appears to be sitting in a study of some sort. She is dressed well and surrounded by intellectual things such as books and a harp.

While the image may represent the life of Diane, I do not believe it is a clear representation of many other women’s lives in the 1790’s. As Judith Sargant Murray elaborates in her piece “On the Equality of the Sexes, 1790” women were not encouraged, or even provided the opportunity, to do things such as read books and study. Judith states “..as to be allowed no other ideas, than those which are suggested by the mechanism of a pudding, or the sewing the seams of a garment?…”

This image also displays a life of comfort and luxury. While reading Mary Dewees diary entries in document 9-2 we learned this was not the case for many women. Many women spent their time traveling and merely trying to survive while looking for a place to settle.

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Unidentified artist - Portrait of an Artist in Her Studio - Google Art Project.jpg

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Who created the image and when:

The image is called the Portrait of an Artist in Her Studio. The artist who painted it is unknown, but this image was created sometime around the 1790s.

What I believe it shows:

This image shows a woman working as an artist in her studio. She's holding a palette and brushes while sitting in a red velvet chair. There is a young boy leaning over her chair and she is turning her head towards him. There are two finished paintings and supplies all around her which makes it look like she's a professional artist.

How it does (or doesn't) represent the lives of women in the 1790s:

I think that this image doesn't fully represent what life was like for most woman in the 1790s. It shows a women who's independent and working in a career (as an artist) which wasn't typical back then. Most women were expected to stay home and focus on family. The boy leaning over her chair might show how women still had family responsibility even if they worked. Which is realistic because women couldn't easily separate work and home life. It also shows how women were often pulled in different directions between their personal interests and family roles.

Evidence:

Judith Sargent Murray in Document 9-2 argued that women's minds are "not in the least inferior to those of men". Women should also have the same chances to use their talents and for education. This image fits Judith's ideas because it shows a women actively working as an artist. Document 9-4 discusses Republican Motherhood, saying that woman's main duties were to raise good citizens and take care of the home. The boy in the painting connects to that because it shows how even women who wanted careers still had to care for their children. The image challenges both and reflects women's roles in the 1790s.

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This image was created by Ralph Earl in 1790. This painting depicts an elite woman of the late 18th century with her children, dressed in luxurious clothing and surrounded by symbols of wealth and refinement. It emphasizes ideals of motherhood, domesticity, and social status, portraying the woman as both a caretaker and a figure of elegance. However, this image does not fully represent the lives of most women in the 1790s. While elite white women may have lived in comfort and had the means to commission portraits like this one, the vast majority of women, especially working-class, enslaved, and Indigenous women, led much harder lives and were often excluded from education, property rights, and political voice. In Document 8-4, Judith Sargent Murray challenges these narrow roles in her essay “On the Equality of the Sexes” (1790), writing, “The mind has no sex.” She argues that women are just as capable as men but are held back by a lack of opportunity, not ability. This painting, then, reflects a limited and idealized view of women’s lives rather than the broader and more complex realities most women faced in early America.

Let me know if you'd like help formatting this for submission or adding citations.

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The image of Maria Teresa di Borbone-Napoli was painted by an unknown artist in the late 18th century.

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This painting shows her in fancy clothes, sitting in a rich-looking room. She looks powerful, but the portrait doesn’t really show what life was like for most women in the 1790s.

Most women didn’t live and dress like this (or get portraits of themselves at all). They didn’t have much freedom or control over their lives. In the primary source On the Equality of the Sexes, Judith Sargent Murray says women are just as smart as men, but they weren’t given the same chances. She writes that “the sister must be wholly domesticated, while the brother is led by the hand through all the flowery paths of science.” Basically, men got to learn and explore, while women were stuck doing housework.

So while this portrait shows wealth and class, it doesn’t tell the full story of what women really went through.

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After reading documents 9-2 and 9-4, make a post:

Choose an image from this website (or one from another source you find on your own, as long as it dates to the 1790s):

Each image can only be used once

Then create a post here (with your name in the title) explaining:

·  Who created the image and when (if provided)

·  What you believe it shows

·  How you believe it does (or doesn't) represent the lives of women in the 1790s

·  At least one specific piece of evidence from the documents to support your post

No reply posts are required in this discussion.

All posts must be completed by 8:00 PM on Sunday.