Portrait of Miss Sarah Elizabeth Young, Subsequently Mrs. Richard Ottley

"Portrait of Miss Sarah Elizabeth Young, Subsequently Mrs. Richard Ottley" is a captivating 1775 painting housed right here in the LSU Museum of Art. This piece, measuring 0.62 meters wide and 0.75 meters tall, presents us with a glimpse into the life of a woman from that era. Notice the elegant way she's positioned, holding a lyre, which suggests a connection to music and the arts. Her attire, a beautiful combination of a white dress, a luxurious golden overdress, and a delicate pink shawl, speaks volumes about the fashion of the time. The artist's use of light, particularly how it illuminates her face, adds a wonderful sense of depth and emotion to the portrait. While the artist remains unknown, their skill in capturing both the physical likeness and the inner spirit of Miss Young, later Mrs. Ottley, is undeniable.