Figure 1.-- Titus Ostrander was born about 1828. A poortrait was painted with his mohter about 1828 by an imoprtant folk art or naive primitive portraitists -- Ammi Phillips (1788-1868). was one of the most successful and prolific American 19th century. He painted over 800 oortraits. He worked in New York's Hudson River Valley and Western New England. One of best regared portaits is a striking work showing Rachel Ostrander and her son Titus. It his largest known work and considered by many his outstanding work. Rachel was a striking womanl, but would experience many tragedies.

Titus Ostrander was born about 1828. A poortrait was painted with his mohter about 1828 by an imoprtant folk art or naive primitive portraitists -- Ammi Phillips (1788-1868). was one of the most successful and prolific American 19th century. He painted over 800 oortraits. He worked in New York's Hudson River Valley and Western New England. One of best regared portaits is a striking work showing Rachel Ostrander and her son Titus. It his largest known work and considered by many his outstanding work. Rachel was a striking womanl, but would experience many tragedies. Rachel Overbaugh married Stephen Nottingham at the age of 17 years I(1827). Titus was born soon after, pesusumably (1828). This portrait was painted (c1834-35). One source suggests 1837, but this seemn unlikely given Titus' age. Rachel was clearly a very elegant woman. Another child was born just after this portrait was finished. Phillips clearly has hidden her pregnancy. Painting a pregnant women would have been seen as in poor taste at the time. Titus wouls have been about 6 years old at the time. Hewears a dress-like top, a partial skirt, and panralettes, probably drawees at the time. this garment is interesting. The top with a low neck-line and puff sleeves is clearly a dress boidice. The bottom looks like the open skirt oif a dress. We note, however, boys wearing suit jackets with long tails. Some of the tails were extended forward forming a partial skirt. Also notice Titus' pooch. Rachael's husband died (1840). Rachel than married her first cousin, Solomon Overbaugh (1842). Another child, Peter, was 1 year old when Solomon also died (1844). Rachel married her third husband, Captain William Teunis Swart (1846). We have been unable to find any information about Otis.

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Created: 11:50 PM 11/30/2020
Last edited: 11:50 PM 11/30/2020