Portrait of a Lady

Kenyon acquires historic portrait by famed painter Gilbert Stuart

"And begged at every noble's door, and also that of Hannah More." That line from the College song "Philander Chase" probably represents the extent of most Kenyon graduates' acquaintance with the name of the noted writer, educator, and reformer who met Philander Chase in England in late June or early July of 1824, shortly before he "hurried homeward with the stuff." The College recently purchased a portrait of More by the famed American painter Gilbert Stuart, perhaps best known for his iconic portrait of George Washington. The painting of More, which had been privately held since 1951, was offered for sale in December 2003 at the Sloans and Kenyon (no relation) auction house in Bethesda, Maryland. The portrait now hangs in the Norton Room of Ransom Hall, along with those of other Kenyon benefactors and leaders. Alumnae, led by Marcia Barr Abbot '73 and Julia F. Johnson '73, are now raising funds to reimburse the College for the cost of the portrait.

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