Portrait of Sophia Josephine Dixon, circa 1850-1860
American Painting
Oil on canvas
50 1/4 in. x 40 1/8 in. (127.64 cm x 101.92 cm), without frame
Gift of Mrs. George Barlow Penny, 42.45
Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester
Sophia Josephine Dixon, born circa 1852 - date of death unknown
The Dixons’ daughter, Sophia Josephine, holds her pet goldfinch on a string, illustrating her patience and nurturing nature in training a wild bird as her pet. Her white dress with blue ribbon sash, lace pantaloons and straw hat are those of a well-bred young girl from a successful American family. In the early nineteenth century, girls were generally depicted in domestic settings. By 1831, however, “The Mother’s Book” by Lydia Child argued that girls as well as boys would benefit from open air and should be allowed to play outside.
The Dixon family lived north of New York City, first in Hudson, NY and then in Tarrytown, NY.