Portrait of Emily Sheldon Bullard (Mrs. Eleazer Bullard)(1798-1849)

Eleazer Bullard (1787-1858) commissioned Erastus Salisbury Field to paint these companion portraits of himself and his second wife about 1835. At the same time, Bullard had Field paint portraits of his daughter from his first marriage and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Squire Brewer. All four paintings are the same size and carry identical frames so that they may hang as a group. The couples even share the same poses.

Field began painting in 1825 and by the 1830s had developed an efficient style that allowed him to complete a half-length portrait in a day, for which he charged $4.00. His basic format could be modified to suit his clients. In this instance, Eleazer is portrayed leaning on a table with an inkwell and quill while Emily rests her arm on a table with a pincushion.

Learn more at the link below.