By William Strollo
After Nimrod Martin and Elizabeth Graddy Withers Martin married in 1831, the well-to-do couple commissioned the artist Patrick Henry Davenport (1803–1890) to paint their likenesses. At first blush, little can be gleaned about the Martins from their portraits, aside from their apparent style and good looks. Immediately striking is Nimrod’s fine suit and fashionable hairstyle. A closer look at the open account book in his hands signifies the success he found as a farmer following his service as an officer in the Kentucky militia during the War of 1812. Bejeweled and sporting an equally arresting hairstyle, Elizabeth’s portrait reveals more when viewed in the context of her previous marriage. When Charles Withers passed away in 1830, he left Elizabeth out of his will, bequeathing most of his possessions to their daughter. Left with practically nothing, Elizabeth’s portrait serves as a statement piece, proclaiming her financially stable enough to purchase the gold adornments she wears for her sitting. Over the years, dirt build-up and some alterations hampered the integrity of Davenport’s work. Since the acquisition 2018, both portraits underwent conservation to restore them to their original appearance. Today, they can be seen in the Kentucky period room at the DAR Headquarters. The purchase and conservation of these compelling portraits was made possible by the Kentucky Society.