18th Century Portrait Gravestones

Gravestones from the 18th century can offer more than just names and dates; they can provide a visual window into the past much like paintings and engravings do.

Colonial-era gravestone featuring a detailed portrait carving

The Historical Value of Colonial-Era Portrait Gravestones

Like with painted and engraved portraiture, gravestone portraiture was for those with means. They were not intended to be an exact likeness of the deceased, but rather give the impression of the them. It was a way for the family to publically demonstrate their wealth and taste.

• Clothing and Appearance

The carved portraits can show clothing styles, such as hairstyles and wigs, collars, coifs, dresses, and coats.

• Social Status and Occupation

These gravestones include any titles the deceased has, such as Reverend, Deacon, Captain, or Esquire.

• Family and Community Ties

Most men with portrait gravestones were leaders in their commuity. Women and children with portrait gravestones will generally link themselves to their husband / father by stating their familial relationship.

• Concrete Dates and Locations

The death date of the deceased is usually prominently displayed on the gravestone. The location for the deceased is also easy to discern, since most people were buried close to where they passed.

Bringing History to Life Through Portrait Gravestones

Gravestones are a wonderful resource to augment research into the fashions of the past. They were intended to be publicly displayed in a way many painted portraits were not, and are free to view and visit.