Among Mrs. Mayrant's thirteen children was Samuel Mayrant, whom Fraser painted in the 1830s. She lived in Sumter, SC, with her husband who was a prominent planter. The format of Mrs. Mayrant's portrait is reminiscent of a type used by Samuel F. B. Morse for older women. The white bonnet and shawl serve to set off the face, while the red chair adds a comfortable feeling of warmth. The miniature is traditionally dated to 1842, which is probably erroneous. A more correct date would be 1840.
Notes:
This text is adapted from Martha Severens "The Miniature Portrait Collection of the Carolina Art Association" published by the Carolina Art Association, 1984
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