Robert Carter III (1728-1804)

Robert Carter III of Nomini Hall was the son of Robert Carter II and Priscilla Churchill Carter. He was painted in England by the eminent London artist, Thomas Hudson, in 1753. He married Frances Ann Tasker of Maryland in 1754. The couple lived for awhile in Williamsburg before moving with their many children to Nomini Hall.

A letter detailing bills paid on Robert Carter III’s behalf in England records the amount paid to Thomas Hudson for the portrait: “Mr Hudson for the picture now Sent you £30.11.6.” – James Buchanan to Robert Carter III, 15 February 1754, in Carter Family Papers, 1651-1861, Section 22, Mss1C2458 a 248-150. Virginia Historical Society.

Dimensions: 50 x 40 in. (127 x 1016. cm.)

The subject stands wearing a gold Van Dyck masquerade costume, complete with a white cape and large white collar and cuffs. His left hand holds a mask. He is turned towards his left. A window to his left provides a view of a landscape. A red curtain appears on the left of the painting.

See: Wayne Craven, Colonial American Portraiture (1986), 366-267; Encyclopedia Virginia