A native of Essex, England, Mrs. Smith emigrated to Charleston in 1793. Her husband was Judge Peter Smith. Her tombstone in St. Philip's Churchyard states, "The Christian Faith, Hope and Charity she strove through life to exemplify."
No information is available on Alexander, except that he was painting miniatures in Charleston in 1839. His style is characterized by crisp delineation of details, erect poses and light backgrounds which create a halo-effect. Mrs. Smith's portrait is unusual because of its bright pink hues.
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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