Portrait of Hepzibah Carpenter [later, Mrs. Dexter Gould](1807-1852)

Dateca. 1835

Possibly by Mahala Carpenter 1804 - 1836

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsUnframed: 29 3/4 x 24 7/8in. (75.6 x 63.2cm) and Framed: 35 1/4 x 30 1/8in.

Credit LineBequest of Mrs. Jason R. (Grace H.) Westerfield

Object number1974.100.1

Label TextDespite obvious inexperience in representing the human anatomy, the artist conveys awareness of some contemporary portrait conventions, for instance, by tilting the subject's head in imitation of popular romanticized poses.
A modern label found on this portrait when it was acquired stated that the sitter was Hepzibah Carpenter of Fairhaven, Vermont. The likeness was later found to have been published as early as 1942 as "Hepzibah Carpenter of North Haven, Vermont." Vital records confirm that a Hepsibah Carpenter was born to Wilson and Hepsibah Robinson Carpenter of Ira, Vermont (only a few miles from Fairhaven), on November 1, 1807. She married Dexter Gould April 12, 1840, lived in Pittsford, Vermont, and died March 11, 1852.
The Works Progress Administration's index of portraits found in Vermont indicates that likenesses of Hepzibah's two sisters, Mahala and Relief Robinson (1794-1842), existed in the 1930s. The two oils, recorded as having been purchased by a dealer from the sitters' descendants, have since disappeared, but both were listed as inscribed paintings by Mahala. An 1898 Carpenter genealogy describes Mahala as a "portrait painter," so circumstantial evidence points to the possibility that this sitter, thought to be Hepzibah Carpenter, may have been painted by her sister. Rediscovery of the two missing Carpenter likenesses would assist in substantiating or refuting such a theory.Mark(s)None foundProvenanceBequest of Grace H. Westerfield