Mrs. James Duane (1738-1821) by Ralph Earl, 1787.  Via the New York Historical Society. 

“Mary Livingston, the daughter of Robert Livingston, Jr., the third Lord of Livingston Manor, was married to James Duane on October 21, 1759. This portrait, although reversed, is virtually identical to Earl’s painting of Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, now in the Museum of the City of New York. Both portraits were apparently completed while Earl was in debtor’s prison in New York.”

Is anyone else totally in love with the idea of Ralph Earl painting this amazing portrait from Debtor’s Prison?

Mrs. William Mosely and her son Charles, 1791.  By Ralph Earl

The inspiration for my white beaver-fur hat.  I only have the hat so far, because I can’t figure out what the hell that thing is that is hanging off of it.  One day, I will re-create this entire outfit!  DIBS!