Back to Search
Start Over
The Mask of Civility.
- Source :
- American Art; Fall2009, Vol. 23 Issue 3, p8-35, 28p, 3 Color Photographs, 19 Black and White Photographs
- Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- The article discusses the significance of masks in colonial portraits such as that of John Wollaston's portrait of Charlestonian Ann Gibbes, in which she holds a mask of Venetian style. It notes that masked balls were highly popular before the American Revolution as a way for colonials to establish their British heritage. An English engraving from 1772 by Carington Bowles is cited, showing Lady Betty Bustle and her maid preparing for a masquerade in which the lady holds a mask similar to that held by Ann Gibbes. It notes that the colonial portraits served to define status but also to question the possibility of maintaining a civilized society in the North American context.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10739300
- Volume :
- 23
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- American Art
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 46795896
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1086/649774