David Bulle (1808–1897), Portrait of Mary Gahagan

Written By Andrew Melville

Concord, Ohio, 1840
Oil on canvas. 34 x 28 inches

This portrait by Ohio painter David Bulle presents Mary Gahagan with a directness and clarity characteristic of mid-nineteenth-century American folk portraiture. The composition is straightforward yet assured, with careful attention to facial expression and dress lending the work a quiet dignity.
Bulle’s portraits are valued for their honest, unembellished approach, offering a compelling record of regional life and artistic practice in early Ohio.

Published:
Jane Sikes Hageman, Ohio Pioneer Artists: A Pictorial Review (Cincinnati, 1993), p. 35, plate V

Andrew Melville

I'm a Kelowna-based designer with a passion for building clean, modern websites that bring bold ideas to life. Drawing from my roots in Vancouver’s creative scene, I combine Squarespace expertise with sharp brand strategy to help clients shape rough concepts into refined, purposeful digital experiences. Whether it’s a portfolio, business site, or something in between, I create work that feels effortless, effective, and always true to your brand — with just the right dose of personality.

https://creativestrategy.ca
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