Mrs. MINOR GILES PRATT
born 1806 Wayrd Mass.  died 1860 Honeoye, NY
Painted Circa 1825
by ZEDEKIAH  BELNAP (1761-1858)

Within family tradition, the striking likeness of Mrs. Pratt was captured depicting her fragile and delicate beauty.  This portrait was painted in 1825 when she was 19 years old.
                     
Mrs. Pratt is posed seated sideways and is represented as a serene young woman with a fixed gaze.  The smooth oval face is famed within a softened bonnet.  The stiff sheer lace collar is secured by a simple gold and onyx brooch.    

While the composition is simple and uncomplicated, the red curtain and book indicate an awareness of academic conventions as well as adding to the overall design an composition of Zedekiah Belknap=s portrait.

The portrait of Mrs. Pratt has descended in the family until our purchase... 

Reference:
This portrait is listed in Zedekiah Belknap=s chronological list of portraits in a article written by Elizabeth R. Mankin.  The Magazine Antiques,
Nov. 1976 - page 1068.
American Folk Portraits,

A-OC 3000          $18,500.00