Deborah Voorhees Grover

Periodca. 1850 - 1860

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions36 × 29 in. (91.4 × 73.7 cm)

SignedSigned lower right, “Harvey Jenkins.” The signature was added in the early 20th century by Effie Grover Lum, Deborah Grover’s granddaughter who was also an artist.

ClassificationsPortraits

Credit LineGift of George and Mary Lou Strong, 2012

Object number2012.8.3

DescriptionWoman facing forward, wearing a black dress, dark gray fringed shawl, delicate white collar, and day cap. This painting has an unusual red/orange background.
Curatorial RemarksThis Jenkins portrait is very unusual with its fiery orange background. The artistic treatment of her dress, shawl, and especially the shawl fringe demonstrates the extraordinary skill with which Jenkins could execute the depiction of fabrics. The “Harvey Jenkins” signature in the lower left corner was added by Effie Grover Lum, Deborah Grover’s granddaughter who was also an artist.NotesDeborah Voorhees (1798 - 1880) was born in Dutch Neck, Mercer County, a daughter of William Voorhees and Abigail Cafferty. She married James Grover of Middletown in 1816. They became the parents of thirteen children. She died in Shrewsbury in 1880, and was interred at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.

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