Catherina Elmendorf 1752 Artist Unknown
The Metropolitan Museum of Art tells us that Catherina Elmendorf (b. 1747) was a daughter of Petrus Edmundus Elmendorf (1715–1765) & Mary Crooke (b. 1721) of Kingston, New York. The artist, who remains unidentified, carefully delineated key aspects of the sitter’s clothing & surroundings. Pinned to Catherina’s bodice is an intricate lace stomacher, & she holds a red carnation in her left hand. Her right hand is cupped upward in a gesture of receiving.
