When you step off the elevator into the first room of the exhibit "Making it in America" (located at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum), you are greeted by large, distinguished portraits standing tall and proud. There is an elegant mahogany and pine side chair cushioned with blue floral fabric, a dark brown dresser, a silver teapot and cup, shiny shoe buckles and various other objects from the 18th century. At first glance, the room seems to be a bit scarce of artwork. However, you have yet to venture into the second room. .
The lighting is slightly dim, but it sets the tone of the 18th and 19th century, and it is certainly bright enough to see the paintings and objects clearly. Some of spotlights that are shining on the paintings give off a glare but if you find the right spot to stand in it disappears. The portraits are framed in grand golden frames, carved with lovely designs. They are mounted on patterned walls that are colors such as deep maroon, mint green, and lemon yellow. The assorted patterns go very well with the over all theme of the exhibit and interact nicely with style of paintings. It is pleasant to see paintings hung on something other then stark white walls. All of the paintings in this room are portraits. They are all very proper. Long elegant dresses, fancy over coats and jackets, stiff, ridged, poses and important looking people. You get the sense that this is their story, you are looking at their personal belongings and seeing their journey of making it in America. .
As you wander around the small space, which is broken up by walls in the middle of the room, there is a wall towards the back with a child's portrait, "Portrait of Anne Brindley," by Henry Benbridge. Underneath is a fading yellow crib with delicate white, red, and yellow flowers painted on it, along with a small brown high chair. These three pieces obviously fit together.
