Mattie Ould: A Story of Portraits Series

Instead of following the archetypal life of the Southern Belle, Mattie Ould flipped southern family values on its head with lasting consequences. Feeling trapped in an engagement to one of her father’s associates, Ould packed her bags and ran off to elope with the dashing Oliver Schoolcraft. The two settled in Richmond, but tragically Mattie and her young daughter died shortly after in 1877, having never reconciled with her father. The Mattie Ould story has been retold for generations in Richmond.

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/Joey Fall

Elisha and Joseph: A Story of Portraits Series

The Great Depression was a time of tremendous hardships for Americans, especially members of the African American community. A commissioned portrait at the time was a luxury few could afford. However, Elisha and Joseph, both of whom worked for the Mayo family had their portraits painted by Isabel Jones Mayo. The couple’s smiles highlight the fortitude of the two during such a grueling moment in history.

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A Story of Portraits

Focusing on portraits in current exhibition “It’s All Relative: Richmond Families (1616-2016)” the Valentine takes a look at the stories behind various portraits in our collection..

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/Joseph Fall