Portrait of Ann Blaws Hansford Barraud (Mrs. Philip Barraud) (1760-1836)
Dateca. 1800
Attributed to
Henry Benbridge
(1743 - 1812)
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOH: 33 3/4in.; OW: 28 3/4 in., framed
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2018-208,A&C
DescriptionA half-length portrait of a young woman with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. She wears a white, high-waisted dress and, over her hair, a white bandeau, both dress and bandeau being edged with lace. A single strand of pearls encircles her neck. Her proper left arm is raised, the elbow bent, with her face resting against her hand. The elbow rests on a table covered with green cloth. Her proper right arm hangs down, her lower arm and hand not shown in the composition. Difficult to discern in the dark background, flowing green drapery occupies the right side of the painting, and to the left, an open door or window reveals a low shrub or tree.Label TextAnn Barraud lived in Williamsburg after her 1783 marriage to Dr. Philip Barraud. In 1799, the couple moved to Norfolk. Artist Henry Benbridge likely completed this portrait (left) the next year.
Ann was distinguished among her peers and recognized by later generations for her talent at the keyboard. Three bound volumes of her piano scores, now at the College of William and Mary, include works by leading composers such as Joseph Haydn, George Handel, and William Shield. Her selections indicate a considerable knowledge of the best compositions available and the technical skill to perform them.
ProvenanceDescended in the family of the subject to Colonial Williamsburg's source.
Exhibition(s)
ca 1840
Probably 1832-1837
1839-1843 (probably)