Lucas Cushing

Lucas Cushing

Reuben Rowley Ithaca, New York January 1826
Oil on canvas 72.48.1
Gift of Mrs. James A. Vaughan

As Lucas and Chloe Cushing began to establish themselves in western New York, they employed the services of Reuben Rowley to paint their pictures. Rowley portrayed them as affluent and fashionable, especially for a part of the state that was not as populated and developed as the coastal region. This was probably an intentional choice by the Cushings, to place them in a higher part of this growing community. It could have also benefited their business efforts as they tried to attract equally affluent clients.