Molly Marsh Seymour (Mrs. Moses Seymour) and son Epaphroditus

Artist: Ralph Earl, American, 1751–1801
Depicted: Molly Marsh Seymour, American, 1752–1826
Depicted: Epaphroditus Seymour, American, 1783–1854
Date: 1789
Material: Oil on canvas
made in: Litchfield, Connecticut, United States, North and Central America
Classification: Paintings
Collection: American Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 338
Dimensions: 48 1/4 x 36 1/2 in. (122.6 x 92.7 cm)
framed: 50 1/2 x 39 in. (128.3 x 99.1 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 35:1948

NOTES

Molly Seymour, seated with the youngest of her six children, belonged to an affluent, well-educated group of Connecticut River valley landowners and merchants. Remote from cities such as Boston or Philadelphia, the Seymours still had access to fine materials. Molly's dress is made of expensive European silk taffeta and lace, and her shawl has an elaborate hand-worked border. Her extravagant headdress advertises the wares of her husband, a hatter and furrier merchant depicted in a companion portrait titled Major Moses Seymour (34:1948).

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