Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes Standing, with Separate Left Hand Study

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Daniel Huntington, a prominent American portraitist (1816–1906), captured Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes—better known as Lucy Hayes, First Lady during her husband’s presidency from 1877 to 1881—in this standing portrait dated December 18, 1880. Created at the tail end of the Hayes administration, the work reflects the era’s fascination with presidential families, immortalizing Lucy as a poised figure of Victorian elegance. Huntington, known for his realistic depictions of American elites and his leadership in the National Academy of Design, often blended classical influences with a keen eye for character. A distinctive feature is the separate left hand study, suggesting this is a preparatory drawing or oil sketch, highlighting the artist’s meticulous process. Such studies were common in 19th-century portraiture, allowing refinements in anatomy and gesture before the final canvas. Lucy Hayes, celebrated for her advocacy of temperance and women’s causes, embodies the cultural shift toward empowered public roles for First Ladies. Part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection through the bequest of Erskine Hewitt, this piece offers a glimpse into Gilded Age portrait traditions. Ongoing research promises deeper insights into its techniques and story.