The oil portrait of Simon Willard, circa 1790, now hangs in the parlor of his birthplace, originally constructed in 1718.

Born in 1753, Simon was 37 at the time the portrait was painted. While the artist is unknown, the frame is attributed to a Roxbury (Massachusetts) wood carver John Doggett. Doggett was also a gilder who worked a great deal with the Willards, making over 50 eagle finials as well as cases for clocks. The beautiful gilded frame of Simon Willard’s portrait is decorated with elegant floral design in corners over the rough sand finish in center section of each side, representing Doggett’s signature “sanding” effect in gilding, which created s textured look in contrast to the smooth, flat surface. Current luster is the result of careful re-gilding, done in 1973-74.

The plain brown background of the painting is framing Simon’s figure, seated with one hand on chair, other tucked into his vest. His hair is combed back by the fashion of the time, and he is dressed in dark overcoat with extensively decorated buttons. Simon’s sleeves are adorned with wide lace and his high collar is held together by a snow-white cravat picking from unbuttoned vest, a bow to the Romanism of the coming Regency period.