Walking into the dining room of Edwards Place, the first thing that commands your attention is the massive portrait of the child in blue. She is perched sideways on a chair, dressed in the full skirt, jacket, and "Swiss belt" typical of young girls' attire in the 1860s. The expression on her face is gentle, almost wistful.
Her name is Lillie Parker Judd. She was born in 1856, the only daughter of George and Lucy Judd of Springfield. Her father was an attorney and railroad lobbyist, and the Judd family were almost certainly acquaintances of the Edwardses.
The Judds were a prosperous family, but all the money in the world would not have prevented the tragedies that befell them during the 1860s. On December 27, 1862, Lucy gave birth to her second child. This little boy was named George after his father, but he would not live to follow in his father's footsteps: he died the same day he was born.
Then, on July 26, 1865, tragedy struck again: Lillie died at age 9, most likely of disease, leaving the Judds childless. She was buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where her brother's remains had been transferred from the old Hutchinson Cemetery just two months earlier.
Her portrait was painted by George P. A. Healy, was one of the most prominent and in-demand portrait artists of the 19th century. His clients included every president from John Quincy Adams to Ulysses S. Grant, and a host of prominent military, political and business figures besides.
It is not known when Healy painted the massive portrait of Lillie, or even if the portrait was painted from life. The possibility exists that it was painted from a photograph after Lillie died - its remarkable dimension (64.5" x 53.5") - and what was undoubtedly a remarkable expense - suggest the kind of investment that bereaved parents might make in a stunning memorial of their lost child.
To learn more about Healy and the Judds, come by Edwards Place for a tour!
No comments:
Post a Comment