Portrait of Abigail Adams Value Guide

This oil on canvas portrait captures Abigail Adams, a pivotal intellectual force of the American Revolution and wife of the second U.S. President. The piece is a significant example of early American portraiture, reflecting the era's aesthetic through her detailed white lace cap and vibrant red dress.

What affects the value of Portrait of Abigail Adams?

• The historical significance of Abigail Adams as a prominent advocate for women's rights.
• The physical condition of the oil paint, canvas, and original gilt-accented wood frame.
• The provenance and its stylistic alignment with renowned American portraitists like Gilbert Stuart.
• Current market demand for early American political figures, currently estimated at $1,000-$1,200.

How to Identify Portrait of Abigail Adams?

• Verify the late 18th to early 19th-century style consistent with the 1790-1810 era.
• Look for the specific depiction of a white lace cap and shawl over a red dress.
• Examine the canvas and wood frame for authentic aging and gilt accents typical of United States origin.
• Compare the brushwork to known works by Gilbert Stuart or his contemporaries from the early republic.

History of Portrait of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams was a prominent figure in early American history, known for her prolific correspondence with her husband, John Adams, which provides invaluable insight into the American Revolutionary War and early republic. She advocated for women's rights and was a strong intellectual force behind her husband's career. Gilbert Stuart, a renowned American portraitist, painted several portraits of prominent figures of his era, including many of the founding fathers and their families. While there are multiple portraits of Abigail Adams, the style of this piece is consistent with early American portraiture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.