An impressive formality was introduced into the decorative arts during the Jacksonian age. Portraits of prosperity during this period and the years immediately following were provided by such artists as the unidentified Borden Limner and Ammi Phillips (1788–1865), who set their subjects like jewels against black velvet backgrounds with brilliant contrasts of color. The distinctive use of acid reds is characteristic of the work of the Borden Limner, once thought to be the marine artist John S. Blunt (1798–1835). Lady on Red Sofa epitomizes the artist’s ability to elegantly capture the essence of fashionable American women of the 1830s. His patrons, such as this lovely woman wearing a rustling silk dress with voluminous sleeves and gleaming gold jewelry against her pale skin, were primarily members of the growing middle class who were eager to bring art into their homes and whose portraits were tangible evidence of status and taste.