The North and South were two entirely different socio-economic regions. These differences lend to two very different developments in painting styles. The northern emphasized materialism, pragmatism and egalitarianism. The southern portraits had a much greater aristocratic flair. Although the style is still very provincial, the ideals of the northern colonies are clearly evident.
Nothing is in the portrait that wasn t meant to be there.
Mrs. John Freake has a delicately wrought lace collar, she wears an embroidered undergarment, and is adorned with pearls, bracelets, and a drop pearl. These are all allusions to their materialistic wealth a sign that there are industrious and favored by God. Henry Darnell holds a bow and arrow to indicate his aristocratic status. His slave in the background holds his game for him and is dressed in rustic clothing. The slave is included to attest to Henry s social position.