Description:Black hair parted in middle--smooth to below her ears. Three 4 inch long curls showing on each side of her head and black lace hair decoration showing at back of head. Light gray dress with lace bertha across bodice. Sleeves adorned with same lacy fabric. Her right hand rest on side of her head. Bodice features a gathered point below the waistline, emphasizing her small waist. Skirt is puffed around hips. Fabric might be velvet with lace. Elbow rest on table with flowered drape covering the table. Goblet style vase with red roses. Background is reddish brown with window covered entirely. Brown eyes, dark curved eyebrows, strong chin, straight nose. Subject looking at artist.
History:Subject born April 6, 1827 - died January 4, 1882 in Williamson County. Lived at Midway--where Brentwood Country Club is now. Cynthia's family built Midway. (Not the Randall McGavock branch of the family). Father was Lysander McGavock who came from May Meadows, Virginia. Sister was Emily McGavock Hayes, great-grandmother of Hortense Cooper and Anne P. Lowe. See Portrait #580 of Emily McGavock Hayes.
Notes:Painting is strikingly similar to portrait done by Ammi Phillips (1788-1865) in 1835-40 of woman in ""American Anthem"" collection from American Folk Art Museum in New York. Shown at Frist in April 2005. Phillips painted in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
