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Maj. Moses Black portrait

At 19 years old in 1834, Abel Nichols asked Maj. Moses Black of Danversport if he could use a small shed/carpenter’s shop as an art studio. “If you will let me have it I will paint a portrait of everyone in your family.”

This portrait was painted in 1856– 22 years after the deal was made. The face is detailed and offers great understanding of anatomy and technique while the body and background remain muted and simplified. The style of portraiture exhibited here is quite traditional and classical– Nichols was a product of his mentors.
The painting is rather small and the frame is quite plain which strengthens the argument that this painting was a part of the deal between the two men. The largest and fanciest canvas and frame were not used. The portrait features primarily neutral tones and browns–cheaper colors to paint with– as the painting was completed without an exchange of payment.

The Society has other portraits paint by Nichols, including John and Mary Page. More about Abel Nichols here.