18th-Century American Women by Jeremiah Theus (1716-1774)

.

 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mary Broughton (Mrs. Isaac Motte)

Jeremiah Theus was born in Chur, Switzerland; and at age 19, arrived in South Carolina with his family in 1735.

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mrs. James Skirving (Sarah Vinson)

During this period, South Carolina's General Assembly encouraged European Protestants to settle in the colony by providing transportation funds and supplying immigrants with farm tools and a year’s stock of food. Theus's family received a 250-acre land grant on the Edisto River and a town lot.

1755 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Suzanna Moore Smyth

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mrs. Charles Lowndes (Sarah Parker)

By 1740, Theus began serving as the area's only resident portraitist. He may have received some training in Switzerland and brought some prints with him to South Carolina.

1756 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Portrait of a Lady

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mrs Thomas Lynch (Elizabeth Allston)

Theus referred to a somewhat limited number of English mezzotint portraits for his client's poses and costumes. He also stylized facial features of his sitters, resulting in many similar portraits.

1757 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Rothmahler

On August 30, 1740, Jeremiah Theüs advertised in the South-Carolina Gazette: "Notice is hereby given, that Jeremiah Theus Limner is remov’d into the Market Square near Mr. John Laurans Sadler, where all Gentlemen and Ladies may have their Pictures drawn, likewise Landskips of all Sizes, Crests, and Coats of Arms for Coaches or Chaises. Likewise for the Conveniency of those who live in the Country, he is willing to wait on them at their respective Plantations."

1757 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Wragg Manigault

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Clifford Wayne

Theus also painted landscapes and coats of arms, and by 1744, was offering an evening drawing school for "young Gentlemen and Ladies" at his house in Charleston.

1757 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mrs Gabriel Manigault

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Savage Branford

His popularity is apparent in a letter written to him by James Habersham (1715–1775), who served as acting colonial governor of Georgia from 1771 to 1773. In July 1772, Habersham wrote to Theüs, "I received...all my Family Pictures, besides Mr Wylly’s, and Mrs Crookes, Coll Jones’ Grandchild, and two for Mr Clay, which are all delivered—I have also your account for my 7 Pictures, amounting to Three Hundred and twenty Pounds South Carolina Currency, which I shall order to be paid you." The artist died in Charleston in 1774.

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774)  Mrs. Barnard Elliott II (Mary Elizabeth Bellinger)

1760 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mary Trusler.

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774)  Mrs. Martha Vinson

1761 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Polly Ouldfield of Winyah.

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774)  Mrs. Rawlins Lowndes (Sarah Jones)

1765 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Hannah Dart.

1765 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mary (Mrs. James Cuthbert).

1770s Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Vanderhorst Moore.

1770 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mrs. Garner Greene.

1771 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Marcy Olney

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mary Mazyck

1753 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Martin (Mrs. Jacob Motte

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Elizabeth Prioleau Rupell

Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Portrait of a Child

1756 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Martha Logan (Mrs Lionel Chalmers)

1752-54 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Mrs. John Dart.

1765 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Anne Livingston (Mrs. John Champneys)

1758 Jeremiah Theus (American colonial era artist, 1716-1774) Susannah Holmes (1739–1771)

To see gentlemen painted by Theus, go to the American Gallery.
.