This 30” x 25” oil portrait of a lady, believed to be Catherine Gates Willard (1762-1785), was painted around 1785. Catherine was the first wife of Boston clockmaker Aaron Willard (1757-1844) and mother of Aaron Willard Jr. and Nancy Willard Nolen. She was painted not long before her death at the early age of 23.

The young woman is depicted sitting at the table with a golden watch in her hand, a hint to both her husband’s trade and the passage of time. She is wearing a black dress, her chest is covered in exquisite lace, as well as wide cuffs of her sleeves, a fashionable Victorian red shawl is resting on her shoulder. A detailed necklace, framed with pearls, possibly with portraits of the members of the family, outlines her neck.

Originally the portrait came to the Museum in fair condition and required extensive restoration: it had several tears and holes, some paint losses around the canvas.

It has been restored to its original glory with the the help of the friends of the museum in 2010. Click on unframed view to see the portrait before treatment.