tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62820056787732889292024-02-07T00:26:16.655-08:003 American Miniature PortraitsThis is part of the Artists and Ancestors collection of miniature portraits. This Gallery holds American miniatures from 18C to 20C acquired for the collection from January 2008.Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-8436797106869179392019-01-21T14:05:00.000-08:002019-03-03T18:06:44.030-08:00Pamelia Hill - portrait of Eliza Cabot Blanchard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY-nuqnph4dIUCqwYRU7ZoHKKFcoI63Q5jlcCjDo7QhVzArAqsGYNb1uB-wrgSZ1G-T3JdFfMYZisJbm8rGprg31bbY7KNQTerg6_R3VEmKXAe-HrVk6n5vGQvGXd9eaZ3f32K7_NV1Ei/s1600/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+out+of+case.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="411" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY-nuqnph4dIUCqwYRU7ZoHKKFcoI63Q5jlcCjDo7QhVzArAqsGYNb1uB-wrgSZ1G-T3JdFfMYZisJbm8rGprg31bbY7KNQTerg6_R3VEmKXAe-HrVk6n5vGQvGXd9eaZ3f32K7_NV1Ei/s320/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+out+of+case.jpg" width="279" /></a>Miniatures by the American artist, Pamelia Hill (1803-60) are uncommon. Some sources give her name as Pamela Hill, but Pamelia is the correct spelling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The miniature is signed on the reverse "Painted by Pamelia Hill June 1842".<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Smithsonian has one example by her, where it is stated, "Little is known about the miniaturist Pamelia Hill, except that she worked in Massachusetts before the Civil War and painted several portraits of prominent Worcester families."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FSb-sBAwrn_Mo9kztNJUhbS8Ki8S0-m5Xg0-pR1BbXh_mFgkmEbPZdYV-yat3946ao48cVEr1XXxV3c6dms_VkzC6IjHdkFDBL4rPsGU7IMRF-mFmFSpNN7CeEA8o-I11IcFlfZlOKrY/s1600/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+signature.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FSb-sBAwrn_Mo9kztNJUhbS8Ki8S0-m5Xg0-pR1BbXh_mFgkmEbPZdYV-yat3946ao48cVEr1XXxV3c6dms_VkzC6IjHdkFDBL4rPsGU7IMRF-mFmFSpNN7CeEA8o-I11IcFlfZlOKrY/s320/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+signature.jpg" width="275" /></a>The miniature was purchased on Ebay from a seller in France, who had previously purchased it at an auction in France. How it reached France is an unexplained puzzle.<br />
<br />
<br />
ds 1524<br />
<br />
For more on this miniature, see further below. <br />
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQzNn0G4q7Pa6oRWTZp6G6kT7ujYUwzvwBCIsgsj05iWXWzt5fVgjQ4m3er-AyZzMVCezoViptvURoN8xROMHo157NJeIgA5PU5y8UPqs6B3tpH12BwSW7Awa9C8iMbTtoSJj5YLpuukc/s1600/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+in+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="502" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQzNn0G4q7Pa6oRWTZp6G6kT7ujYUwzvwBCIsgsj05iWXWzt5fVgjQ4m3er-AyZzMVCezoViptvURoN8xROMHo157NJeIgA5PU5y8UPqs6B3tpH12BwSW7Awa9C8iMbTtoSJj5YLpuukc/s640/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+in+case.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKC7WuFxe83Bz1a3KFBl3E_7cOtP1dclIpEzWHqM8AhoLnUDVoNK14l-Xdum_2zFrWULpXUzRagkcBcb-0IkVGGPs-5paVp_pfGKuLNpWrNCb0biFGsRCtRWi6puG9L3nZd-L0CUeD5jA/s1600/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+-+Frick+collection+Eliza+Cabot+Blanchard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKC7WuFxe83Bz1a3KFBl3E_7cOtP1dclIpEzWHqM8AhoLnUDVoNK14l-Xdum_2zFrWULpXUzRagkcBcb-0IkVGGPs-5paVp_pfGKuLNpWrNCb0biFGsRCtRWi6puG9L3nZd-L0CUeD5jA/s320/ds+1524+Pamelia+Hill+-+Frick+collection+Eliza+Cabot+Blanchard.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<b>Later</b> <br />
A very kind visitor has since contacted me, to
advise that there is the attached photograph of this miniature in the Frick
Collection of images. https://digitalcollections.frick.org/digico/#/ It is rare to be able to identify an unnamed portrait so the contact was very welcome.<br />
<br />
There the sitter is identified as
Eliza Cabot Blanchard, who died of tuberculosis in 1842. From that key
information it has been possible to learn a little more about her life.<br />
<br />
Eliza (sometimes Elizabeth) was adopted by Samuel Pickering Gardner (1767-1843) and Rebecca Russell Lowell (1779-1853) after she lost her parents to tuberculosis in 1814. <br />
<br />
See https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=NmESepXN0vYC&pg=PA8&lpg=PA8&dq=Eliza+Cabot+Blanchard&source=bl&ots=Ec23eYJbAz&sig=ACfU3U0k9ZuVsmGF8jX0yT35xMewe7X4Mw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi-sPjDpefgAhWCaCsKHedSBoUQ6AEwBHoECAYQAQ#v=onepage&q=Eliza%20Cabot%20Blanchard&f=false<br />
<br />
Eliza's was born in 1809, and her parents were Francis Blanchard and Mary Cabot, and after they died she was adopted by the Gardeners. Eliza married Robert Charles Winthrop on 12 March 1832. See, https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Blanchard-674, Robert and Elizabeth had three children:
<br />
<ul>
<li>Robert Charles Winthrop, Jr. (1834–1905), who married Frances
Pickering Adams (1836–1860). After her death, he married Elizabeth Mason
(1844–1924), daughter of Robert Means Mason (1810–1879) and Sarah Ellen
Francis (1819–1865) and granddaughter of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah_Mason" title="Jeremiah Mason">Jeremiah Mason</a>, on June 1, 1869.</li>
<li>Elizabeth "Eliza" Cabot Winthrop (1838–1921)<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Longfellow1983_15-0"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Charles_Winthrop#cite_note-Longfellow1983-15">[15]</a></sup></li>
<li>John Winthrop (b. 1841)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Eliza died on 14 Jun 1842, believed to also be from tuberculosis. Thus this portrait must have either been painted from life, just before she died, or perhaps more likely was was painted from an earlier daguerreotype taken in the months before she died. <br />
<br />
Robert Charles Winthrop then married Laura (nee Derby) Welles, widow of Arnold Francis Welles, on 6 November 1849. Laura died in 1861 and 0n November 15, 1865, Robert was married for the third and final time, to Adele
(née Granger) Thayer (1820–1892), the widow of John E. Thayer. Robert was the 18th Speaker of the US House of Representatives, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Charles_WinthropDon Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-66243886630474084612019-01-21T13:43:00.005-08:002019-01-21T14:12:46.916-08:00P. Phillips - early 20C portrait of a man<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQt2CD2ruRMExodBqD2A1sPOT6pRN0bCD0O1TuYEg2hMR7EYLOuMDCk_KyQxjJflNCCI5tWQOfywwRMkwdix798bcwVXWDBFA6DIXbywVGTUbkVCt6HAg3Y5Mi02QKnzPxFP5HnH2tiir/s1600/ds+1523+in+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="345" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQt2CD2ruRMExodBqD2A1sPOT6pRN0bCD0O1TuYEg2hMR7EYLOuMDCk_KyQxjJflNCCI5tWQOfywwRMkwdix798bcwVXWDBFA6DIXbywVGTUbkVCt6HAg3Y5Mi02QKnzPxFP5HnH2tiir/s320/ds+1523+in+frame.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
This is an American miniature portrait on ivory from c.1930-40, in a typical metal frame of the time.<br />
<br />
It is signed P. Phillips, which is not the name of a recognised artist. It is not readily discernible as on a photographic base, but that may be the medium, with Phillips as the name of the photographer, who then arranged for the hand colouring of the portrait. <br />
<br />
There was an American miniature painter, Josephine Phillips who was active in 1934-38, so she may have been a relative of the artist. <br />
<br />
ds 1523<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl8kGmd02MsTInBTZV_MjI_wV3P83QiOevMrDAfN-GrVjw_EjCAjWZcW__OQPCJsJmhTKvEreMlWboTS5QbIUXZI6hoQXNghB5vZ5hEegiEr34z_wH3jY0i5nccGkBfY2UiLMCrUuUYHv/s1600/ds+1523+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="331" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl8kGmd02MsTInBTZV_MjI_wV3P83QiOevMrDAfN-GrVjw_EjCAjWZcW__OQPCJsJmhTKvEreMlWboTS5QbIUXZI6hoQXNghB5vZ5hEegiEr34z_wH3jY0i5nccGkBfY2UiLMCrUuUYHv/s640/ds+1523+signature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-28710820085187759912019-01-21T13:29:00.001-08:002019-01-21T13:29:16.463-08:00Unknown - portrati of young girl c.1800-10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eS8BRjSYpCwpiSqBtVqlQaXQJZ4pPExtfo-dkod2y7bPhZashJJvWFsaHg0xgx15l7b8fv3i3rS-eL_fFfRWy3BdCnUAaFfbSDqTrztZt30yxSUFCamCkEWDDERi-P8GEO6c1kC2EMHO/s1600/ds+1502+reverse.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMl2CY4DY34kcQT6_Ug2YjD_-DGV075QnvMFRhoV7d8zG-rItIdE6wCZb2VoLogo85J_kqQwo61G8hrswRFogfxvJzv6z5t_mxYaeS6o1AJt-0K6blTm6_ukmTe8dx-yHQ9SVnsnrK9Pa/s1600/ds+1502.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMl2CY4DY34kcQT6_Ug2YjD_-DGV075QnvMFRhoV7d8zG-rItIdE6wCZb2VoLogo85J_kqQwo61G8hrswRFogfxvJzv6z5t_mxYaeS6o1AJt-0K6blTm6_ukmTe8dx-yHQ9SVnsnrK9Pa/s320/ds+1502.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
This miniature of a young girl is believed to be American for
several reasons, firstly as the reverse is solid metal and is engraved
in large letters HTG, so perhaps her first name was Harriet. Solid backs
on miniatures of this size, are occasionally met with in America, but
practically never on British miniatures, it being 71mm by 58mm.<br />
<br />
Although
it is a very similar pose to works by William Verstile (1755-1803) or Lawrence
Sully (1769-1804), it is possibly too late for either of them. ds 1502<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eS8BRjSYpCwpiSqBtVqlQaXQJZ4pPExtfo-dkod2y7bPhZashJJvWFsaHg0xgx15l7b8fv3i3rS-eL_fFfRWy3BdCnUAaFfbSDqTrztZt30yxSUFCamCkEWDDERi-P8GEO6c1kC2EMHO/s1600/ds+1502+reverse.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eS8BRjSYpCwpiSqBtVqlQaXQJZ4pPExtfo-dkod2y7bPhZashJJvWFsaHg0xgx15l7b8fv3i3rS-eL_fFfRWy3BdCnUAaFfbSDqTrztZt30yxSUFCamCkEWDDERi-P8GEO6c1kC2EMHO/s320/ds+1502+reverse.JPG" width="280" /></a>Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-37652263406670092802019-01-21T13:23:00.000-08:002019-08-18T11:12:03.408-07:00Charles Balthazar St Memin - portrait of William Poyntell<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD9hsn4Qo_I8EJ2yZjTgd3TJQKQ-mIWocuHHrDvfUVPlL40KyPhpUseRMQ2LnWPmfHi1KI69MannrRJ9iWVEImZ236otT05enGQqISg4U5fjTNVKtahnRyNaGFLyMmk03xvcs1vZggM2D/s1600/ds+1500+Poyntell+front.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaD9hsn4Qo_I8EJ2yZjTgd3TJQKQ-mIWocuHHrDvfUVPlL40KyPhpUseRMQ2LnWPmfHi1KI69MannrRJ9iWVEImZ236otT05enGQqISg4U5fjTNVKtahnRyNaGFLyMmk03xvcs1vZggM2D/s320/ds+1500+Poyntell+front.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This miniature portrait was merely described at auction as, "Miniature
Etching Of
Distinguished Gentleman 19th Cent". Hence it was cheap.<br />
<br />
However, it
was immediately obvious as a Saint Memin portrait, being inscribed at
the foot, "Drawn and Engr. by St. Memin, Philadd." see <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjF_ruF-Z3KAhWFrKYKHUAnCbYQFgg5MA0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FCharles_Balthazar_Julien_F%25C3%25A9vret_de_Saint-M%25C3%25A9min&usg=AFQjCNFJryQtyzlYU2A5qMVO1Vw0FH0giA&sig2=gYEiKdTI0JNYlxpKzJh-qQ&bvm=bv.111396085,d.dGY">Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin - Wikipedia ...</a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
With
such engraved portraits it is usually possible to identify the sitter
by reference to the book by Ellen G Miles which lists hundreds of
examples with their images, see <a href="https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=B__qAAAAMAAJ&q=%22ellen+g+miles%22&dq=%22ellen+g+miles%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjDu-n3-Z3KAhWD3aYKHXLvBosQ6AEILjAD">Saint-Mémin and the neoclassical profile portrait in America</a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One
of the joys of collecting miniature portraits, although rarely
possible, is to take an unidentified sitter and so to speak "bring them
back to life". </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This
one took a while to work through from the A's (thankfully his name was not Wyatt!),
before being matched with a portrait of William Poyntell, who died in
1811 and was an eminent merchant and publisher. There is an extensive
obituary for him in<i> The Gentleman's Magazine</i>, see <a href="https://books.google.co.nz/books?id=oh5XPK4uqMMC&pg=PA294&lpg=PA294&dq=%22william+poyntell%22&source=bl&ots=AT8xeAr9u1&sig=_vgZzjxVs1QKhUZVM7Ig8UI5rGE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwibhs_E-p3KAhWkFaYKHbPFB-QQ6AEIIzAB">The Gentleman's Magazine</a> which opens:</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
"Sept
10 1811 Died at his house in Philadelphia, in his 56th year,
universally lamented, William Poyntell, esq. late Merchant, and one of
the Select Council of that city. He had retired from business several
years having acquired an ample fortune, of which he merited the
enjoyment by the most inflexible integrity in all his dealings and
transactions with whomsoever he was engaged. Mr Poyntell was an
Englishman, and his character holds forth so bright an example of
usefulness and private worth, that we are persuaded we shall stand
excused for entering upon it more at large. He was born at Chipping
Norton in Oxfordshire, and baptized in the parish church there, April 9,
1756. ...." </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
He sold stationery and wall papers, there being a picture of scales sold by him at <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi6k6v0_Z3KAhUi26YKHdsCB7Y4ChAWCCAwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Famhistory.si.edu%2Fmilitaryhistory%2Fcollection%2Fobject.asp%3FID%3D438&usg=AFQjCNFz9C8cDkT02cXss2AAvegUFlEn1Q&sig2=y4i_D9PPXMS0QlKVSw6j5Q&bvm=bv.111396085,d.dGY">The Price of Freedom: Money Scales</a> and wallpaper at <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiAtq7G_p3KAhXDLaYKHZmFA9UQFggmMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanklos.org%2Fp%2Fimlay-mansion.html&usg=AFQjCNFGGgeWSR1cXq8DlZaxUBBxEULOnw&sig2=ROfvNFdUMJeo2O8hxprnzQ&bvm=bv.111396085,d.dGY">Stanley Y. Klos: Imlay Mansion</a> There is a picture of his grave at <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjjkYnO_J3KAhUC6KYKHRxrAg8QFgggMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.findagrave.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Ffg.cgi%3Fpage%3Dgr%26GRid%3D71373609&usg=AFQjCNG77NZhtDtVm5wLuTj9ROckXIcw3Q&sig2=2sE4BFUiTfRYTtQmJWgLQQ&bvm=bv.111396085,d.dGY">William Poyntell (1756 - 1811) - Find A Grave Memorial</a> and discussion of his art collecting activities at <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwibtf7s_J3KAhWE4qYKHQmnAMIQFggaMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Fchapter%2F10.1007%252F978-94-011-4006-5_21&usg=AFQjCNEy_3yrPVvRElNM9pgTXNUiJuX3ZA&sig2=fURsgyFcAjcjV3SGQ24TYg&bvm=bv.111396085,d.dGY">William Poyntell (1756–1811) - Springer</a> and <a href="https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwibtf7s_J3KAhWE4qYKHQmnAMIQFggkMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjhc.oxfordjournals.org%2Fcontent%2Fearly%2F2015%2F01%2F21%2Fjhc.fhu049&usg=AFQjCNEiPyNLEIObgzA5AN0BvZO0nSd6Vw&sig2=hhFv8QxEooclq02tM3_Itw&bvm=bv.111396085,d.dGY">'All my stained glass which I brought from Europe'</a> ds 1500 </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-6037056267075752222019-01-21T13:20:00.002-08:002019-01-21T13:20:09.153-08:00Unknown - c.1820 portrait of young man in small case<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6g2PCia_dc3d_54VuSWInb0hMgp18feyrmZbYLZCxwLmK0lHhawB1JXnMB5iAVG707rMF9QqRIoqMuRr-pOrpfoXcx2P_W8Z-Ii-A4C5NzjCn6Ow9a0H5mVgzWfp8XBB6yw5FIbowe8Oo/s1600/ds+1499.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6g2PCia_dc3d_54VuSWInb0hMgp18feyrmZbYLZCxwLmK0lHhawB1JXnMB5iAVG707rMF9QqRIoqMuRr-pOrpfoXcx2P_W8Z-Ii-A4C5NzjCn6Ow9a0H5mVgzWfp8XBB6yw5FIbowe8Oo/s320/ds+1499.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
This is an American miniature portrait from c.1820, but
much smaller than usual for the time, the sight size being 43mm by 35mm.<br />
<br />
It is a good
example of an early American designed case, as a result of the Embargo
Act, but with proper materials still in short supply. Thus apart from the portrait itself, this is a case size which is unusual. There only a couple of other 19C American cases of this size in the collection, and so I estimate that size represents less than one percent of miniature cases from 1800-50.<br />
<br />
When
advertised it was described as "English oval framed 1770-1790, young
man", but is definitely later and American, so an indication
sellers often have inaccurate descriptions. Although the image is out of
focus, the artist is perhaps Daniel Dickinson or Thomas Edwards. ds 1499<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-71092003789205670152019-01-21T13:13:00.000-08:002019-01-21T14:06:25.129-08:00Unknown - portrait of a young lady<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoVpPTx4c42JgtBUuvduI92YGDdXzSvXtJ7tiiEYjPvXtfZptbZmv9CNJC77-Iufm2vxWSqb2pXOXp4e99DQgRDOGnIk4_ICzx-QJIHHVUtENpyndAl7V3M1_eeR-m_E1swuXoxU1LNWP/s1600/ds+1498+American+girl+front.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqoVpPTx4c42JgtBUuvduI92YGDdXzSvXtJ7tiiEYjPvXtfZptbZmv9CNJC77-Iufm2vxWSqb2pXOXp4e99DQgRDOGnIk4_ICzx-QJIHHVUtENpyndAl7V3M1_eeR-m_E1swuXoxU1LNWP/s320/ds+1498+American+girl+front.JPG" width="269" /></a></div>
This miniature portrait of a young lady is a little smaller than usual for the time, c.1815, being 50mm by 40mm.<br />
<br />
It
is by an American artist and is in what I call a "make-do" case. That
is it dates from about 1815, around the time of the war of 1812, when
the Embargo Act was in place which prevented artists from getting
supplies of new casework from England. Hence artist were forced to use
what ever left over materials they could find to combine and produce
"make-do" cases.<br />
<br />
I have written elsewhere on how many
dealers replace the cases of miniatures like this to make them more
saleable, but as a historian, I believe they should be retained in their
"make-do" cases, as a more honest condition and a reminder of the
interesting history of events around the Embargo Act.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxurUB-Jy4mGrVUyMviaMqaQ9oGL2VBN1VIZ-VjqkC6gBWHJ9BIs0RurbpjwK2PLvSo1_QfECQHlpVovCiG2KUb8ix2u9oC1acx8KEOTzj7mQ3YarL9rK27R8uMO6fmf9xoRiq8MZZ5zj/s1600/ds+1498+American+girl+rear.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxurUB-Jy4mGrVUyMviaMqaQ9oGL2VBN1VIZ-VjqkC6gBWHJ9BIs0RurbpjwK2PLvSo1_QfECQHlpVovCiG2KUb8ix2u9oC1acx8KEOTzj7mQ3YarL9rK27R8uMO6fmf9xoRiq8MZZ5zj/s320/ds+1498+American+girl+rear.JPG" width="260" /></a>It
was suggested her married name was possibly a Mrs Goadlow [Goodlow?]
and the rear is engraved with her initials, presumably when unmarried,
JWD or IWD, so there may be a faint chance of identifying her.<br />
<br />
The
artist is a puzzle, as the quality is high, but not easily
recognisable. Possibilities include Raphael Peale, as the background
colouring is similar to his work, Anson Dickinson, or Hugh Bridport.<br />
<br />
The
engraving on the rear of the case is not common and the tiny glass is
another indication of the Embargo Act, as high quality glass was
unavailable in America at the time. The brooch fitting is broken off,
but is more recent, perhaps 20 years later. ds 1498 <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxurUB-Jy4mGrVUyMviaMqaQ9oGL2VBN1VIZ-VjqkC6gBWHJ9BIs0RurbpjwK2PLvSo1_QfECQHlpVovCiG2KUb8ix2u9oC1acx8KEOTzj7mQ3YarL9rK27R8uMO6fmf9xoRiq8MZZ5zj/s1600/ds+1498+American+girl+rear.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-5885972380119054372019-01-21T13:09:00.001-08:002019-12-15T15:15:35.333-08:00Charles Balthazar St Memin - Chief of the Little Osages <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3WiZqOcpRWAv9Ha9rNT3kdi9nDIKytesD7cxIkJ0OijmL58pp6Zmg7-aEWexXMQ9HvpXBNmvMSgJLmckqCpfjOV8q40w0jgajntjfyECADPs61hPJhCH-1vVkNXWfGF1WKu_MwhpHEm8/s1600/ds+1518+St+Memin+1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3WiZqOcpRWAv9Ha9rNT3kdi9nDIKytesD7cxIkJ0OijmL58pp6Zmg7-aEWexXMQ9HvpXBNmvMSgJLmckqCpfjOV8q40w0jgajntjfyECADPs61hPJhCH-1vVkNXWfGF1WKu_MwhpHEm8/s320/ds+1518+St+Memin+1.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Memin Chief of the Little Osages - small ds 1518</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Chief of the Little Osages by St Memin</b><br />
<br />
This miniature portrait is a little larger than most miniatures in this collection, but is believed genuine.<br />
<br />
It was acquired on Ebay from a reputable London UK art dealer who <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">described it,
"This picture was purchased from a folder of prints
and drawing at my local Sunday antique market
recently, this is the only provenance I have for the
piece therefore I am offering the drawing as after St
Memin." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The portrait was offered at an opening bid of $225 and acquired at a price a little above that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">There
are already in this collection a couple of St Memin engravings, and my
library includes a copy of the comprehensive St Memin catalogue (460
pages) prepared by Ellen G. Miles. Hence, there was some confidence in
being prepared to take a calculated risk.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">By
comparison with other Indian portraits by St Memin, before bidding it
was possible to come to a preliminary opinion the portrait was possibly
genuine. This opinion was reinforced when the miniature arrived. The
quality being too good for a fake, especially when offered for sale at
$225. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">After the auction closed, I did ask the dealer if
he had communicated with anyone in USA about it, but he replied
he had not.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheLvlQE_mH7c1o4v1a8b5DJ8hHv4bVD5ttZhvxMYhyVBENljQIOHAAWawE88s5E4RJpd4FEpmYmjf14-KSyQ4ddhItZFHisb7g_e66aMf1gKEFtCzknf8OnTBbJ3-NY6-bQ57nRUXUTu_/s1600/ds+1518+NYHS+portrait..JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="671" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheLvlQE_mH7c1o4v1a8b5DJ8hHv4bVD5ttZhvxMYhyVBENljQIOHAAWawE88s5E4RJpd4FEpmYmjf14-KSyQ4ddhItZFHisb7g_e66aMf1gKEFtCzknf8OnTBbJ3-NY6-bQ57nRUXUTu_/s320/ds+1518+NYHS+portrait..JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NYHS St Memin Chief of the Little Osages large </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In referring to the catalogue, the portrait appears
as a final, but smaller version of large one owned by NYHS, Cat. 161 (Fig. 7-22), but in red
and black chalk, and on watermarked paper. </span>These portraits were sketched by St Memin of the Osages who were with the first delegation to Washington in 1804.<br />
<br />
St-Memin
used a device that projected the subject's images onto paper and then
were traced, so their outlines were perfectly represented. The smaller
portraits were probably made by reversing the process, to sketch the
smaller portrait by copying the larger portraits.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The size of ds 1518 is
7.5 x 5.5 inches, which is similar to these other small portraits in the catalogue, Cat. 162 (7.25 x
6.5in), Cat. 634 (7.25 x 6 5/16in), Cat. 636 (7.25 x
6.75in), Cat. 637 (5 7/8 x 4.25in), Cat. 746 (7.25 x
6.5in), and Cat. 976 (7.25 x 6.25in). Thus, they are all likely all cut
down from larger sheets. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">When held to the light, there is a
sideways part watermark on ds 1518, very similar, but not
identical, to fig. 4.8. On the edge are several stitch
holes similar to those on Cat. 633. See the images further below</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The six smaller portraits above are
watercolours, rather than chalk, and i</span>n
looking through the catalogue I see Indian
portraits in black and white chalk, but not obviously
in red and
black chalk. I am inclined to the opinion that the
NYHS version was a preliminary portrait, with the medium one below as a
version in red and black, reduced in size, and ds 1518 as the final
version in red and black chalk. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As with his portraits of colonists, St Memin drew his Indian portraits using a machine to get a large and accurate profile. This was then hand coloured with watercolour paints. The outline could then be reproduced via a pantograph on a reduced scale. Thus, his miniature portraits would have been reproduced in that manner, with this one hand-coloured in chalk rather than using watercolours.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5IBbL_1lDpAAoXOKZcRwtSGI8xUuYyKVUu_u06DKIk76uFmHECJnNUbWaAQlYINyMjpDUf38_Rj9qaJIXzy1uF6m4COAU6DH4t4erQZf5012XhxvMwUYPVACyevThpz1HywTM4NpFVHV/s1600/St+Memin+device1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="283" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5IBbL_1lDpAAoXOKZcRwtSGI8xUuYyKVUu_u06DKIk76uFmHECJnNUbWaAQlYINyMjpDUf38_Rj9qaJIXzy1uF6m4COAU6DH4t4erQZf5012XhxvMwUYPVACyevThpz1HywTM4NpFVHV/s640/St+Memin+device1.jpg" width="356" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgVyKq9bAON-GNRpCijE2KLW9BSU1n26wAd3HaRKnXD6MpDb4xOX0RGJ3JTIXg1xwljeP1rPh4s60pZCzJaWEr_wCIYs_VsCANnEJq7DHzk_XxGLQoPNFNQ4de6t1qs0hsHCOFZwpQ1pz/s1600/St+Memin+device2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="508" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOgVyKq9bAON-GNRpCijE2KLW9BSU1n26wAd3HaRKnXD6MpDb4xOX0RGJ3JTIXg1xwljeP1rPh4s60pZCzJaWEr_wCIYs_VsCANnEJq7DHzk_XxGLQoPNFNQ4de6t1qs0hsHCOFZwpQ1pz/s640/St+Memin+device2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The
signature
appears similar to genuine items, but I accept a
signature is often the last item to consider in
attributing an artwork.The signature in at the extreme
bottom right, whereas the Christies version is at middle left. The
re-positioning being selected to give a better balance. It is also likely any fake would seek to show the signature in the same
position as on the Christies version. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVwk22qwCRL9C9aePpYOVAbCqq98GNon02KoKnY5zoFmRCTlCRfl2UkSVwFT0GlaGAmADvmde0K5ADB6yOMVNmodrMUpaObFBsvChCWUnR3Ij1G9dkkX6t9JnZ-OH9yZ5hUdew7EVYbfa/s1600/ds+1518+Christies+St+Memin+image.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="466" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVwk22qwCRL9C9aePpYOVAbCqq98GNon02KoKnY5zoFmRCTlCRfl2UkSVwFT0GlaGAmADvmde0K5ADB6yOMVNmodrMUpaObFBsvChCWUnR3Ij1G9dkkX6t9JnZ-OH9yZ5hUdew7EVYbfa/s400/ds+1518+Christies+St+Memin+image.JPG" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christies 30/1/1997 medium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I note another version of
the portrait at <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.artnet.com/artists/charles-balthazar-julien-fevret-de-saint-m%C3%A9min/the-chief-of-the-little-osages-2FZjkVkDZPk1QXyXy7HU0g2" target="_blank">
http://www.artnet.com/artists/charles-balthazar-julien-fevret-de-saint-m%C3%A9min/the-chief-of-the-little-osages-2FZjkVkDZPk1QXyXy7HU0g2</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This has marginally less detail than ds 1518, and
a similar signature, but placed at centre left, rather
than bottom right. I do not know where that version
currently resides, but </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">that link appears to refer to the portrait offered by Christies, where the medium is also red and black chalk.</span> </span>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Interestingly it is reportedly
12.4in by 7.7in, i.e. a sheet of paper which, if cut
in half, would give two pieces, each close to the size
of the version here, and to the other six noted above.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It was offered by Christies as lot 215 on 30 January 1997 with an estimate of $8,000-12,000, but appears to have been unsold. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It was described as:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OKv0GkQjck4l-Dc78JYNsHJWRS4zmLEijkvged41lTCGhBQiJXgwzqkeh96q4KFaZ2D83XwTmdgVuOkNu8TB1r0abfhfRA44AZq4UdN_7lzeXeNreJtPuVZ0YGTLXD53lWvFi16AfyXJ/s1600/ds+1518+Christies+St+Memin.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1082" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OKv0GkQjck4l-Dc78JYNsHJWRS4zmLEijkvged41lTCGhBQiJXgwzqkeh96q4KFaZ2D83XwTmdgVuOkNu8TB1r0abfhfRA44AZq4UdN_7lzeXeNreJtPuVZ0YGTLXD53lWvFi16AfyXJ/s640/ds+1518+Christies+St+Memin.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx8hLVVzuPAmGIGiRNOTrgZHPFeoNw2K6kynyt3XnkDHP_Wn539DNe9T60tLU8DijfYGLe1OkXMIbENHPwxPqA0NJflS1tiQWlIFqz3QLELehrpsM2HqZ_2FtAAmt1UAD5lOd9YjuVee4/s1600/ds+1518+reverse.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="245" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx8hLVVzuPAmGIGiRNOTrgZHPFeoNw2K6kynyt3XnkDHP_Wn539DNe9T60tLU8DijfYGLe1OkXMIbENHPwxPqA0NJflS1tiQWlIFqz3QLELehrpsM2HqZ_2FtAAmt1UAD5lOd9YjuVee4/s400/ds+1518+reverse.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse of ds 1518</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Allowing for the extra width and depth on the medium
image, I am of the opinion the actual heads of the medium and small
miniatures are the same size. The small portrait is a little
more complete, with more detail on the earring and the neckwear.<br />
<br />
Accordingly, I am currently of the opinion that ds 1518 is a reduced, but final version of the larger versions. <br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">With an apology to Ellen Miles for raising it, I</span> do hope she will not regard me as
impertinent, in suggesting that I tend to doubt, on pages
150-51, that Cat. 161. and Cat 162 in her catalogue are both the same sitter, at there are distinct differences.<br />
<br />
Presumably NYHS has, for many years, claimed they are
the same sitter? I sense 162 is related, via a similar
profile, perhaps father or uncle, but he appears to be
older than 161.<br />
<br />
Apart from different clothing, the top
of his hair leans a different way, his pig-tail is
shorter, and his earring different. Also, a second
covered pigtail is more clearly seen in the attached
version of 161, whereas in 162 the second pigtail is
uncovered.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGmf3Aq3l2w3zTPn0UPub0zNU2X6NL_StOsX_YMVboL7W1vk6E3N32FMh6RmJv7sOOwQ3sq77suN4nFtLQrPbUbm_DMVTa9LjAEjnJLNgb1zn3lZNBn-gWtTiU9oGzd1_owCcL-mWVJnY/s1600/ds+1518-4.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="635" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGmf3Aq3l2w3zTPn0UPub0zNU2X6NL_StOsX_YMVboL7W1vk6E3N32FMh6RmJv7sOOwQ3sq77suN4nFtLQrPbUbm_DMVTa9LjAEjnJLNgb1zn3lZNBn-gWtTiU9oGzd1_owCcL-mWVJnY/s320/ds+1518-4.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Memin ds 1518 watermark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Thus at present, although not yet 100% certain, I currently
lean towards the ds 1518 miniature portrait as being genuine, based on the
quality, the watermark, the technique, the paper, the
size, the signature, and the appearance as a final
version of both Cat 161 and the medium version.<br />
<br />
It seems likely St Memin prepared the reduced portraits in answer to client requests for copies. It therefore seems very possible there are more similar copies still unlocated. Hopefully, this brief essay may aid in bringing them to public attention. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeXa5aigZDV36iwKNu1aLqnir99t8EwTdazA7RVpzsdRtkdKQAOwXA_8Th4lkE9GYoPtiNWtCkq5qpWtKp_k6-xILK6_KdYtab6qwHI0IobQIpREgBKQL7jiJq80S4i5ezTqcVTcoyVHr/s1600/ds+1518-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="830" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeXa5aigZDV36iwKNu1aLqnir99t8EwTdazA7RVpzsdRtkdKQAOwXA_8Th4lkE9GYoPtiNWtCkq5qpWtKp_k6-xILK6_KdYtab6qwHI0IobQIpREgBKQL7jiJq80S4i5ezTqcVTcoyVHr/s400/ds+1518-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Memin ds 1518 signature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A
possible explanation for the portrait being found in London, England,
is that it was more easily transported than the large, preliminary
drawings, and may have been acquired by a British collector in New York
and taken to England.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
However, I would be grateful for any other thoughts on this St Memin portrait. ds 1518.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>A Separate Portrait</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X2BJZN81eFAF0gNfkcf_p4NQaiZ5Et_5BcU4RIjJSt8AFFfHSdRfaGXwp9ts81EhQ2OpDzeqJg5xsKY3RkG4swrhq0eWMx25u59Y28p1xQJ6l3AysVl0LjqwZsHWN8G704s6cP3uDyMA/s1600/ds+1518+-+Met+portrait.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3X2BJZN81eFAF0gNfkcf_p4NQaiZ5Et_5BcU4RIjJSt8AFFfHSdRfaGXwp9ts81EhQ2OpDzeqJg5xsKY3RkG4swrhq0eWMx25u59Y28p1xQJ6l3AysVl0LjqwZsHWN8G704s6cP3uDyMA/s400/ds+1518+-+Met+portrait.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
The
Metropolitan Museum holds a portrait of a different chief which is
helpful in analysis of the above Osage portrait, it is described as;<br />
<br />
"Osage Warrior" is based on a drawing that Saint-Mémin made with a
physionotrace, a device that mechanically reproduced an outline of a
sitter’s profile. The artist then transferred the image to this sheet
and painted it in watercolor, rendering his subject’s individualized
facial features with delicate stippling and cross-hatching. The warrior
wears beaded wampum ear-drops and silver ear rim bands, and his scalp is
shaved except for a dyed lock of hair."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<section class="artwork-info">
<div class="component component__artwork-info ">
<div class="artwork__tombstone">
<br />
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<b><span class="artwork__tombstone--label"><span class="artwork__tombstone--label">"Object Details</span></span></b></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label"><span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Artist:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin (1770–1852)</span></span></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Date:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">1805–7</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Geography:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">Made in France</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Culture:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">American</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Medium:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">Watercolor and graphite on off-white wove paper</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Dimensions:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">7 1/4 x 6 7/16 in. (18.4 x 16.4 cm)</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Classification:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">Drawings</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Credit Line:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1954</span>
</div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--label">Accession Number:</span>
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">54.82"</span></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<br /></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">"<b>Provenance</b></span></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value"> </span><span class="artwork__tombstone--value">Sir Augustus John Foster; sale, Sotheby's, London, November 18, 1926,
lot 635; with Goodspeed's Book Shop, Boston, 1927; Mr. and Mrs. Luke
Vincent Lockwood, until 1954; sale, Parke-Bernet, New York, May 13-15,
1954, lot 438.
</span></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<br /></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span class="artwork__tombstone--value">The provenance implies the portrait was part of a collection in London accumulated by </span><span class="artwork__tombstone--value"><span class="st"><i>Sir Augustus John Foster</i>, 1st Baronet, GCH PC
(1 or 4 December 1780 – 1 August 1848), a British diplomat and
politician. Born into a notable British family, <i>Foster</i> served
in a variety of diplomatic functions in continental Europe and the
United States, interrupted by a short stint as a Member of Parliament. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In 1805 he was sent to the United States as
the Secretary to British legation, leaving in 1807 to become British
chargé d'affaires, Stockholm, Sweden from 1808 to 1810. He was sent back
to America in 1811 as Minister Plenipotentiary to the United States,
but returned to Britain in 1812 with the outbreak of the War of 1812,
where he was promptly elected by Cockermouth, England to the House of
Commons. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Ending his service in Turin and his career
in the British diplomatic service in 1840, Foster began drafting his
<i>Notes on the United States of America</i>.
Foster died in 1848 after cutting his throat at Branksea Castle; he had
suffered from delirium because of poor health, and his death was ruled
as the result of temporary insanity. His <i>Notes on the United States of
America</i> would be rediscovered in a cupboard of his family's home in
Northern Ireland in the 1930s, and published posthumously. </span></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<br /></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Comment</span></b></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span class="artwork__tombstone--value">The Metropolitan portrait is in watercolour
and graphite, but the paper type and size is similar to ds1518. The
signature is also similar, but with the addition of Fecit. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span class="artwork__tombstone--value"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">One may deduce St Memin drew or
painted versions of his portraits for sale to diplomats and other
interested persons, with the price varying depending on crayon or
watercolour. Likely selling preliminary sketches for lesser sums. </span>While
ds1518 is not claimed to have been in the Foster collection, his career
offers a credible parallel as to how one of his staff may have
purchased ds1518 in 1805-07, and it later ended up in a bundle of
drawings and prints purchased from a dealer in London.</span></span></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<br /></div>
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Another Portrait</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">A
similar small portrait is owned by the NY Historical Society. It is
interesting that both watercolour small portraits have the earrings
complete, whereas ds 1518 has more obviously a sketch of the earring,
implying it as an earlier, working, sketch. The NYHS portrait was Lot
439 and is described;</span><br />
<br />
<h4 class="pane-title">
<span style="font-size: small;">Unidentified Chief of the Little Osage ("Soldat du Chêne" ["Soldier of the Oak"?])</span></h4>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-number field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGJZbAuSBEOgJnx0Z33bqueCg02YzK6KwhtTQUHbY1uIMzWa64cSWof2jb5Oqaq8V4f2z-Vv8oCkuYQDP2UROVtn5Ov8rxRme8AvayoJNaGknMV-Ly_TfpJ6dUMdfjq9ydUUwLvgN74uJ/s1600/ds+1518+NYHS.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="277" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGJZbAuSBEOgJnx0Z33bqueCg02YzK6KwhtTQUHbY1uIMzWa64cSWof2jb5Oqaq8V4f2z-Vv8oCkuYQDP2UROVtn5Ov8rxRme8AvayoJNaGknMV-Ly_TfpJ6dUMdfjq9ydUUwLvgN74uJ/s400/ds+1518+NYHS.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
<div class="field-item even">
Object Number: 1954.101</div>
</div>
<div class="field-collection-container clearfix">
<div class="field field-name-field-related-poeple field-type-field-collection field-label-hidden">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item even">
<div class="field-collection-view clearfix view-mode-full field-collection-view-final">
<div class="field-item">
Artist/Maker:Charles-Balthazar-Julien Fevret de Saint-Memin, 1770 - 1852</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-date-display field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Date: 1807</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-medium field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Medium: Watercolor, gouache, black ink, and graphite on paper, mounted on card</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-dimensions field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Dimensions: Overall: 7 1/4 x 6 3/8 in. ( 18.4 x 16.2 cm )</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-marks field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Marks: Signed
and inscribed at lower left in black ink: "St. Memin fecit."; verso of
old mount inscribed at upper center in brown ink: "Ozage"</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-inscriptions field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Inscriptions: Signed
and inscribed at lower left in black ink: "St. Memin fecit."; verso of
old mount inscribed at upper center in brown ink: "Ozage"</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-credit field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Credit Line: Abbott Fund, with the help of Forsythe Wicks, John E. Parsons, and Edmund Astley Prentis</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-name-field-e-provenance field-type-text-long field-label-inline clearfix">
<div class="field-item even">
Provenance: Sir
Augustus John Foster, Washington D.C.; descent through Foster's family;
Sotheby's, London, 1826; Godspeed's Bookshop, Boston, 1927; Mr. And
Mrs. Luke Vincent Lockwood, Greenwich, Conn.; Sold Parke-Bernet Gallery,
Luke Vincent Lockwood Sale, item #439, May 13-15, 1954</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNhp52eJjjqzaAtz5UXsu1oN2aVtSaisR-N-qnit5coBlO4AUd59dlW6LReMIuKFt21OoY7n5kmTzh5MPAs4PoBkPB48XT_G20eqBsMEIFJ2SNqaUOTv-h75na-hFqy43hzPOSTtnkMVJ/s1600/ds+1518+wash+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="851" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNhp52eJjjqzaAtz5UXsu1oN2aVtSaisR-N-qnit5coBlO4AUd59dlW6LReMIuKFt21OoY7n5kmTzh5MPAs4PoBkPB48XT_G20eqBsMEIFJ2SNqaUOTv-h75na-hFqy43hzPOSTtnkMVJ/s400/ds+1518+wash+sig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
<b>Later</b></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is interesting to compare the above portraits with a portrait offered in March 2019 at auction by Skinners, and described as George Washington by St Memin. The description of the lot is as further below. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would have to say, I have some doubts about the Skinner portrait, as the signature is so different to the examples on the above St Memin's Chief of the Little Osage portrait and other in the Ellen Miles catalogue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The signature is different, being more upright. St Memin did elsewhere add Fct, i.e. Fecit, to examples of his other signatures, such as Fig. 7.29 on page 157 of Ellen Miles Catalogue.On that portrait, the St Memin signature is similar to ds 1518 above.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgNAyj1Z2B5Pw2XWfck-U_RdwdP6_3X_jm9_cUVUH0mAqfhjjju7NcnAfO_Wjv_Gkkis2Y6SPYItCmhYAKRr-PXvF36ZA6DqvHhWmLazPTK4JZPuFNhbJtyApydvMDjCUoO_Dy23oQrpD/s1600/ds+1518+engraving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="270" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgNAyj1Z2B5Pw2XWfck-U_RdwdP6_3X_jm9_cUVUH0mAqfhjjju7NcnAfO_Wjv_Gkkis2Y6SPYItCmhYAKRr-PXvF36ZA6DqvHhWmLazPTK4JZPuFNhbJtyApydvMDjCUoO_Dy23oQrpD/s640/ds+1518+engraving.JPG" width="497" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington by St Memin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Skinner portrait of Washington appears to be a copy based upon the Washington portrait Fig 5:17 on page 101 in the Miles catalogue, but there are distinct differences of detail, and the overall style looks too modern to be by St Memin. That Miles portrait has no clouds in the background and is described as;</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Saint-Memin, George Washington, black and white chalk on paper, 1800. Unlocated; reproduced from Elizabeth Bryant Johnston, Original Portraits of Washington (Boston, 1882), plate 20 [Cat. no. 920]"</div>
<dl>
<dt style="text-align: justify;">An engraving, presumably based on that black and white portrait in chalk, is in the National Gallery of Art. It varies from the Skinner portrait is minor details, e.g. the number of button holes on his collar, and the portion of the epaulette showing. However, those alterations raise queries.</dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt>Two Skinner posts commenting on this and other Washington portraits are on their website; </dt>
</dl>
<h1 class="entry-title">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.skinnerinc.com/news/blog/the-enduring-legacy-and-likeness-of-george-washington-and-presidents-day/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to The Enduring Legacy and Likeness of George Washington and President’s Day">The Enduring Legacy and Likeness of George Washington and President’s Day</a> and </span></span></h1>
<h1 class="entry-title">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.skinnerinc.com/news/news/auction-preview-american-furniture-decorative-arts-at-skinner/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to Auction Preview: American Furniture & Decorative Arts at Skinner">Auction Preview: American Furniture & Decorative Arts at Skinner</a></span></span></h1>
<dl>
<dt></dt>
<dt>The Skinner portrait was offered in this Auction:<a href="https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3222B"> American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 3222B</a></dt>
<dt>Location:Boston Date / Time :March 02, 2019 10:00AM</dt>
</dl>
<h3>
"Description:</h3>
<b>Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint-Memin (New York, Philadelphia, France, 1770-1852)</b> <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFfiNLzRU_eBYIiyX3ZrjlWu1lMc7aDVgyBnLaV5pd51UfDqb4RKSXi7A_h3fVs10MIUoXvtTKYbyvzg2oZptJhzmz9nn2EPmlLJu7n94ICH0I7miKvFO0tjbohdMjRnFJkhjYTROnkC5/s1600/ds+1518+wash+portrait.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFfiNLzRU_eBYIiyX3ZrjlWu1lMc7aDVgyBnLaV5pd51UfDqb4RKSXi7A_h3fVs10MIUoXvtTKYbyvzg2oZptJhzmz9nn2EPmlLJu7n94ICH0I7miKvFO0tjbohdMjRnFJkhjYTROnkC5/s400/ds+1518+wash+portrait.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washintgon with spurious St Memin signature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Miniature Portrait of General George Washington</b><br />
Signed and dated "C de Memin Ft./1798" along the left edge. <br />
Watercolor and gouache on paper, 2 5/8 x 2 1/8 in., in a molded gilt-brass frame with textured mat and liner. <br />
Condition: The mount with the image is separated from the frame, no obvious damage or retouch. <br />
<br />
Provenance: The family in which the miniature descended is related to
General Jacob Morgan (1742-1802). Morgan was born in Berks County,
Pennsylvania. He moved to Philadelphia in the 1760s and became a
successful merchant. In December 1776 he was appointed Colonel and
commander of the 1st Battalion of Associators of the City of
Philadelphia. He fought in the Battles of Princeton and Monmouth. After
the war, he returned to private business and ran one of the country's
first sugar refineries. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Note: Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de Saint-Memin is credited with
having made the last portrait of George Washington taken from life. In
November 1798, Washington visited Philadelphia to take command of the
army for the impending war with France. Saint-Memin was in Philadelphia
at the time and made arrangements with Washington to make a portrait.
The present whereabouts of that portrait is unknown. <br />
<br />
In this
portrait, Washington is depicted bust length, facing to the left and
wearing a blue General's uniform with buff facings and gold epaulette.
The background consists of a sky mottled in tones of blue and brown. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Estimate $15,000-25,000 "</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Before the auction I expressed doubts about the portrait to Skinners, and received a reply as below:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>6 March 2019 - Dear Mr. Shelton,<br /><br />Thank you for your note regarding lot 47. To
date the portrait has been examined in person by a large number of
knowledgeable individuals who have seen no reason to question the
portrait's authenticity. We can also note that it has descended in the
consignor's family since the 18th century.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />Chris</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Later July 2019</b> - the portrait at the Skinner auction was reportedly sold for $67,000, but an observant collector has pointed out that Skinners now list the lot on their website as "Unsold". Thus, it seems other experts on St Memin shared doubts about the Washington portrait, and the sale failed. </div>
<br />
<b>Later July 2019</b> - the portrait was next offered for auction by Skinners on August 12, 2019.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZx6cL44u1VPbGOtOcveg3Du7llOA3kMMTQjTIDJ7qNwshblgexp3jA7qGLnYw9ahKu7S3NnHu-gsfIpSMGVSI2dmhuUsoVI52pNnCJEuN7wAJwVPIY9wbtvTX4WbzzahftG3CvpCzsdW/s1600/ds+1518+re-offer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZx6cL44u1VPbGOtOcveg3Du7llOA3kMMTQjTIDJ7qNwshblgexp3jA7qGLnYw9ahKu7S3NnHu-gsfIpSMGVSI2dmhuUsoVI52pNnCJEuN7wAJwVPIY9wbtvTX4WbzzahftG3CvpCzsdW/s1600/ds+1518+re-offer.JPG" /></a></div>
Later - the Skinners website reports a sale price of $1698 for the Washington portrait, presumably a hammer price of $1300, plus buyer's commission of 23% or $368. Still quite a strong price, but it recognises the portrait now has some extra and "interesting" history to accompany it.<br />
<br />
<div class="artwork__tombstone">
<div class="artwork__tombstone--row">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<section class="artwork-info">
</section>Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-66997903505329990402014-09-22T14:32:00.003-07:002016-01-08T10:42:48.306-08:00Peale, Charles Willson - portrait of Colonel Charles Pope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgzCg99aN5mCY1bMu_Puwrk5NXLK_BvtZ2rWzSNT6hCrdbNYtXbVts0hUgNzjlQSJQxyI5UjM2cC_XJgTVX1SRjrw2AwVcS5VWWKEDYHQjkGgQpHCdDlf8Sz067882UvgSzR7goyYMz_X/s1600/ds+1495+out+of+case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgzCg99aN5mCY1bMu_Puwrk5NXLK_BvtZ2rWzSNT6hCrdbNYtXbVts0hUgNzjlQSJQxyI5UjM2cC_XJgTVX1SRjrw2AwVcS5VWWKEDYHQjkGgQpHCdDlf8Sz067882UvgSzR7goyYMz_X/s1600/ds+1495+out+of+case.jpg" width="248" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF0AH2xyRwdkTngyKTzodFakC5zLWFmNre-YlM1eiGeXKqDX95gTXrwdVpkfwfd107c382ra8yYq370hoI80HryAG2kxmNwz9nKSI-2qjz6_H7t6S_AqG0Qul7WeSrNsMVZxX9FdsC1RT/s1600/ds+1495+insert+Pope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF0AH2xyRwdkTngyKTzodFakC5zLWFmNre-YlM1eiGeXKqDX95gTXrwdVpkfwfd107c382ra8yYq370hoI80HryAG2kxmNwz9nKSI-2qjz6_H7t6S_AqG0Qul7WeSrNsMVZxX9FdsC1RT/s1600/ds+1495+insert+Pope.jpg" width="264" /></a>
Followers of these posts about collecting miniature portraits will be aware that by far the majority of this Artists and Ancestors collection has been acquired at eBay online auctions. Previous to the year 2000 some miniatures had been acquired at local auctions and antique shops, but locating them was time consuming as they were rarely seen. That situation altered in the year 2000 with the ability to buy online, and at the same time an early interest was sparked in American miniature portraits as, compared to British and European miniatures, they seemed so little researched.<br />
<br />
That paucity of available research still largely prevails for American miniatures, so this website has sought to "publish" personal research on American artists from time to time to assist museums and other collectors who find the lack of research handicaps their work.
Partly as a result of publishing that research and displaying American miniatures in the collection on the website (about 400 American miniatures at present, plus 600 British and European miniatures), there seems to have become a greater knowledge and awareness of American miniatures in the market place and hence greater price competition when examples are offered for sale! That is perhaps the downside of sharing research! - but as additions to the collection are now less frequent and for unsual items, that competition is happily accepted as the sign of a maturing interest in the subject.<br />
<br />
I have commented before, (as have many others!) that in any area of collecting, those collectors with unlimited financial resources can achieve a collection of the very best in their chosen field. That equally applies in collecting miniature portraits. However, as this collector, in common with most average collectors, has limited financial resources, it is readily acknowledged that there are many items in this collection which are of only average quality. Part of the reason for that is that an element of self-discipline has been to seek to maintain an average purchase price of $400. That has acted as a challenge in seeking interesting items and an increasing brake on personal spending as prices in the market rose! There is believed to be far more "fun" and a greater ability to learn, in buying 50 or 100 miniatures over an extended period for an average of $400 each, compared with buying a single rare American miniature by Charles Willson Peale for $20,000, or even $40,000 if the sitter is an important one.<br />
<br />
Although the average target has been largely maintained, occasional splurges have threatened the average. The miniature portrait here is a case in point, where an unrecognised Charles Willson Peale was acquired for far below the market value. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJXhgjUYKfVgl8r_bBOkTAgbafNHS8P1_U7h5hkI3gzFaLlP9t7qXfWf38f9EMouzHp2is403qLmq9cbZJAMXR6zT6wbtlog7O34y5KP4W_-n8ln2YCzOb3u9zv83QWVwvH1bK6K_TSs0/s1600/ds+1495+CWP+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJXhgjUYKfVgl8r_bBOkTAgbafNHS8P1_U7h5hkI3gzFaLlP9t7qXfWf38f9EMouzHp2is403qLmq9cbZJAMXR6zT6wbtlog7O34y5KP4W_-n8ln2YCzOb3u9zv83QWVwvH1bK6K_TSs0/s1600/ds+1495+CWP+front.JPG" width="243" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvr8be46AvJY5z18wUr-_IrnGT8s-lC8bIW1V65ZAsp89pwHH_AFwGlcO9W7ysWH6kghdOVfWWZXGl8XvnaUecWnG7OqVfP3dKTMU5zbIpqo5uakx6ZNSHyoROm96Np8-EFviI3SrrwSL/s1600/ds+1495+CWP+case.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvr8be46AvJY5z18wUr-_IrnGT8s-lC8bIW1V65ZAsp89pwHH_AFwGlcO9W7ysWH6kghdOVfWWZXGl8XvnaUecWnG7OqVfP3dKTMU5zbIpqo5uakx6ZNSHyoROm96Np8-EFviI3SrrwSL/s1600/ds+1495+CWP+case.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was offered on eBay UK in June 2014 as:<br />
<i>Fine Georgian portrait miniature of a gentleman in solid gold frame. Please find for sale an extremely fine quality Georgian portrait miniature of a gentleman. The portrait has been beautifully well painted and is housed in a 9ct solid gold,unmarked but fully tested, frame which measures 4.7cm x 3.7cm. The watercolour measures 4.2cm x 3.2cm. The total weight is 14.2 grammes. Is offered in good condition.</i><br />
<br />
Hence it was effectively offered as a portrait of an unknown sitter by an unknown artist, with most British bidders making the understandable deduction that it was by a British artist of the 18C, although not by Smart, Meyer or other important British artists of the later 18C. <br />
<br />
However, for those more interested in American miniatures, it was possible to recognise the artist as being perhaps the most famous of all American artists, Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827), who painted both miniatures and large oils. There is minor paint lost on his shoulder, and the case may be a replacement, but it is the only Charles Willson Peale noticed as offered on eBay in 15 years.
On opening it, it was found that although difficult to read, the backing paper included the name Pope. That is most likely the name of the sitter. A polite query was sent to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington about the miniature and seeking any knowledge of a Pope as a sitter, but there was no reply.
Thus it has been necessary to try and identify the sitter from basic knowledge. The most likely sitter seems to be Charles Pope, although that is not certain. The Society of the Cincinnati has prepared an extensive biography of Pope at http://desocietyofthecincinnati.org/sofcweb/Biographies.htm as follows, which is gratefully acknowledged:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Charles Pope</b> </i><br />
<i>Colonel John Haslet's Delaware State Troops in Continental Service; Commissioned Captain (5th Company), 18 January 1776; Wounded at the Battle of Mamaroneck, New York, 21 October 1776; Colonel David Hall's Delaware Regiment, Continental Line; Commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel, 5 April 1777. Resigned (on account of wounds), 13 December 1779. </i><br />
<br />
<i>Charles Pope, born in 1748 at Duck Creek Cross Roads, was both an Army and Naval officer in Delaware service during the American Revolution. A prosperous merchant before the war with Britain, Pope in 1775 raised a company of militia and prepared to leave his home and business to fight for the American cause. In January 1776 he was commissioned Captain by the Continental Congress and his unit was accepted into service as the Fifth Company of Colonel John Haslet's Regiment of Delaware State Troops. Prior to the Regiment's leaving the State, Pope's Company was detached to guard against incursions by crews of British ships on the Delaware and to suppress loyalist activities in Kent and Sussex Counties. </i><br />
<br />
<i>In July the Company rejoined the Regiment and took part in the Battles of Long Island and Mamaroneck. Captain Pope was cited in reports for gallantly at Long Island.
At Mamaroneck the Regiment made a daring night attack on the camps of loyalist rangers under Colonel Robert Rogers of French and Indian War fame. Unfortunately for the Americans, Rogers had been uneasy about his position and put a full company of troops where only individual sentries had been expected. When the Americans fell upon them In the dark the Loyalists added to the confusion by taking up their attackers' cries of "Surrender, you tory dogs!" The advanced company of the enemy finally broke and ran and a number of prisoners were taken, but the hated Colonel Rogers escaped. During the fight Captain Pope was wounded in the leg. </i><br />
<br />
<i>The term of service of Haslet's Regiment expired at the end of 1776 and the following year Pope was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Delaware Continental Regiment under David Hall. That same year Hall's Delaware Regiment fought in the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown, where Hall was wounded and Lieutenant Colonel Pope took command. While the Regiment rested in Wilmington during the winter of 1777-78 Delaware President George Read asked Pope to investigate reports of a British landing in Kent County. The invasion turned out to have been only a small raid that was over before Pope arrived. In April, however, Pope was again sent for when Cheney Clow attempted armed insurrection in Delaware, and this time he arrived in time to take action. Even as a detachment of Continentals was marching south from Wilmington Pope led a band of Delaware militia against the Tory "fort," routed its defenders without a serious fight, and captured about fifty of the Loyalists. Pope returned to his Regiment, which rejoined the main army in the spring, and led them at the Battle of Monmouth in June 1778. </i><br />
<br />
<i>In June 1779 Pope was court-martialed on the charge of using a soldier of the Delaware regiment "in his domestic business in the spring and summer of 1778." The court found the charge "groundless" and "aquit him of it with honor." Later in the year he became ill and left the Army, retiring in December.
Retirement from the Army was not the end of the War for Pope, however, and within a year he accepted command of the Delaware Navy, a small force of leased ships that was expected to protect the Delaware coast and river traffic. Pope himself commanded three different ships during the final years of the War. </i><br />
<br />
<i>With the end of the War Pope returned to Duck Creek Crossroads and became quite rich. When he moved to Georgia in the closing years of the eighteenth century he sold a plantation of 270 acres with a house and new barn, a farm of 150 acres, a complex of wharves and grain storage buildings on the Duck Creek, a lot in the town of Duck Creek Crossroads on which stood a tavern and a tanyard, his original brick store in the center of town, and his town home consisting of two-storey brick house, nursery, kitchen, stable, carriage house, smoke house, and granary.
Charles Pope was married twice. His first wife, Jane Stokesly, bore him five children, all sons. She died in 1793. Pope's second wife was Sarah Simpson, whom he married in 1799; there were no children. Pope died in Georgia on February 16, 1803, and was buried there on his farm in Columbia County.</i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yPdi_b2PBoLr8ebFhDsC6MxOai72VUt98Sprd5ZBdlkIBZR2IYNTQvdWVMoJBRYiaXshSFvMlP0qCq-MWQx8xhlmMqRhJQwpP6FnaWJ2WV-Zg5J4jg6Dyp0z6ODcKlbPbM8Ro0ub5w3v/s1600/ds+1495+cincinnati+Pope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yPdi_b2PBoLr8ebFhDsC6MxOai72VUt98Sprd5ZBdlkIBZR2IYNTQvdWVMoJBRYiaXshSFvMlP0qCq-MWQx8xhlmMqRhJQwpP6FnaWJ2WV-Zg5J4jg6Dyp0z6ODcKlbPbM8Ro0ub5w3v/s320/ds+1495+cincinnati+Pope.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
However, the Cincinnati biography also displays this portrait said to be of Colonel Charles Pope. As will be obvious it is quite a different person, but it should be noted that his hair, side burns, and clothing more closely resemble those fashionable around 1810-1815 and he looks to be aged around 30 to 35 years old. Although appearing to be based upon a miniature portrait, the image was not painted by CW Peale, nor is it easily attributable to any other American artist of the late 18C. The soldier Charles Pope was born in 1748 and died in 1803, so it seems unlikely that this image is of that Charles Pope. Therefore he is more likely from the following generation, as Colonel Pope had a son also named Charles Pope, who was born on 26 Nov 1780 in Duck Creek Crossing, Smyrna, Kent, DE. He died on 30 November 1812 and thus better fits the fashions and age depicted in the Cincinnati portrait. <br />
<br />
It is not uncommon for family histories to become garbled when passed on by word of mouth. A number of instances have arisen with this collection and in answering queries from visitors. Study of the clothing, hair, and any identification of the artist can often narrow down the search and sometimes enable an identification. Thus, in making a comparison with the Peale miniature, Colonel Charles Pope was born in 1748, and in 1778 he would have been aged 30, which better fits the hair and clothing depicted in the Peale miniature. Pope was also a successful man and thus quite likely to have commissioned Peale to paint a miniature portrait, as did many other officers at the time when Peale was busy painting many of them. 1495Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-69408261520900441792014-02-12T16:55:00.000-08:002014-02-13T10:13:44.002-08:00Burt, Albin Roberts - portrait of Zerah Colburn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsxcP0gbJS1FzQhEii4IoNDeoSVJ0l1YCAb-P_1C8lM5IxbQ7QVY5wosSVv3v07st4D3E_00T07kFWnIGM3IIJWM130C0sDt9sNoi9sYtRZ1C_JLwXFTSyUnzor-kwnn5qMwRcheuHv2o/s1600/ds+1481+zerah+colburn_0001.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsxcP0gbJS1FzQhEii4IoNDeoSVJ0l1YCAb-P_1C8lM5IxbQ7QVY5wosSVv3v07st4D3E_00T07kFWnIGM3IIJWM130C0sDt9sNoi9sYtRZ1C_JLwXFTSyUnzor-kwnn5qMwRcheuHv2o/s1600/ds+1481+zerah+colburn_0001.tif" height="320" width="265" /></a>This miniature portrait was painted by a British artist in England, but has been included in an American Gallery as it is of a famous 19C American maths prodigy. The vendor did not realise that and so it was merely advertised as;<br />
<i>Albin Roberts BURT (1783 – 1842) “Zerah Cobourn”. A portrait of a youthful Oxford academic bedecked in his gown, possibly an American as no British census records exist for the name Zerah Cobourn. </i><br />
<br />
Some of the writing on the rear is hard to read, but Zerah Cobourn (for Colburn) can be read at the top. He was born on 1 September 1804 and died on 2 March 1839, being a child prodigy of the 19th century who gained fame as a mental calculator. There is more about him at <a href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FZerah_Colburn_%28math_prodigy%29&ei=xQ_8Up3sAcL-iAezxYGwCw&usg=AFQjCNEEKL39CfWLZ_yYL2GYr4dkEy2D2A&sig2=ZcorAwuGYkR-GiKV3Rjd9Q&bvm=bv.61190604,d.aGc"><i>Zerah Colburn</i> (math prodigy) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a> He also wrote a book about his life which is available at<a href="http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=D3w_AQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=zerah+colburn&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Owr9UrTiDcutlQXbqoHYDA&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA"> A memoir of <i>Zerah Colburn</i>: written by himself.</a><br />
<br />
Albin Burt began his career as an engraver being a pupil of Robert Thew and Benjamin Smith. However, finding himself unable to excel in this department, he took to painting portraits. He worked at various locations and in 1817, the date of this miniature, his studio was at 113 High Street, Oxford. He often signed his miniatures verso, AR Burt or simply Burt followed by a date and place. He was a successful miniaturist charging upwards of 3 guineas for a portrait on ivory.
Burt exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1807 and 1830.
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ4fTUGfzFZtLlV5Ui93WrbMHFGTXBWxk_ugAjh6LJ7axk-0_f6gKBimtjUCHHWob29rWEZFuui9AoOsJ5zUq8NnnmGNWlWniSmmb8nygDpUi4HV93EnAtzG3_309pHpImvhYSzPCmkF_/s1600/ds+1481+Zerah+Colburn+reverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ4fTUGfzFZtLlV5Ui93WrbMHFGTXBWxk_ugAjh6LJ7axk-0_f6gKBimtjUCHHWob29rWEZFuui9AoOsJ5zUq8NnnmGNWlWniSmmb8nygDpUi4HV93EnAtzG3_309pHpImvhYSzPCmkF_/s1600/ds+1481+Zerah+Colburn+reverse.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTIj9Aa7YRFZ_WizNqNU6DChjgpOoqbE9Mx52b8ngY4vduNtvWeWB0Vy3fY2LiTMSR9DMCdj35e4jkz-5zmsGwIDDp-wNi1bbXdOPUhpz56V6K7PdGpT2bmTlBeVuCBFECQs5fQ-0eBI8/s1600/ds+1481+Zerah+Colburn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTIj9Aa7YRFZ_WizNqNU6DChjgpOoqbE9Mx52b8ngY4vduNtvWeWB0Vy3fY2LiTMSR9DMCdj35e4jkz-5zmsGwIDDp-wNi1bbXdOPUhpz56V6K7PdGpT2bmTlBeVuCBFECQs5fQ-0eBI8/s1600/ds+1481+Zerah+Colburn.jpg" height="320" width="257" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Previous to the discovery of this portrait, the only known image of him was as a young boy in an engraving depicting Zerah Colburn at age nine, from a drawing done by F. Baily, Esq., done in London. In a close up of the portrait it is possible to see that, like his father and two brothers, Zerah was born with 24 digits. His six fingers are detectable in and enlargement of his left hand.As mentioned below, the extra fingers were removed by the polymath and surgeon, Sir Anthony Carlisle in 1815.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-Qha6fr7OJ24sAeOagpA5So_z7RGUPnl_kO34IKQO2A9Y5qKhY8Oc4Nru6FBswWfm_jdKxk4Q4Wt7p-fvGMulxTfMuliyPBPEwF9jGZ8UnwSrNYijPnm5q83febBZ9neEF3hYnTn0p3K/s1600/sa+1481+detail+of+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-Qha6fr7OJ24sAeOagpA5So_z7RGUPnl_kO34IKQO2A9Y5qKhY8Oc4Nru6FBswWfm_jdKxk4Q4Wt7p-fvGMulxTfMuliyPBPEwF9jGZ8UnwSrNYijPnm5q83febBZ9neEF3hYnTn0p3K/s320/sa+1481+detail+of+hand.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9FHuF4c0py6klN38ufHXmpoT6TLi9oUHSQkowGIK8gYnDJ6IBvjJ1duiwBwL7wNPbRy0tM0wZqj64iwX7SZ_WTyxJZZHKEn8OHvb1sl_T9o82gnp3q8kZx1PxiVDly-Cvvv0OGwnNLIL/s1600/ds+1481+young+Zerah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9FHuF4c0py6klN38ufHXmpoT6TLi9oUHSQkowGIK8gYnDJ6IBvjJ1duiwBwL7wNPbRy0tM0wZqj64iwX7SZ_WTyxJZZHKEn8OHvb1sl_T9o82gnp3q8kZx1PxiVDly-Cvvv0OGwnNLIL/s1600/ds+1481+young+Zerah.jpg" /></a><br />
Colburn was born in Cabot, Vermont, in 1804. He was thought to be intellectually disabled until the age of seven. However, after six weeks of schooling his father overheard him repeating his multiplication tables. His father wasn't sure whether or not he learned the tables from his older brothers and sisters but he decided to test him further on his mathematical abilities and discovered that there was something special about his son when Zerah correctly multiplied 13 and 97.
Colburn's abilities developed rapidly and he was soon able to solve such problems as the number of seconds in 2,000 years, the product of 12,225 and 1,223, or the square root of 1,449. When he was seven years old he took six seconds to give the numbers of hours in thirty-eight years, two months, and seven days. 1481<br />
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Zerah Colburn and his family were studied in detail by Sir Anthony Carlisle (1768-1840), one of the unsung heroes of the study of evolution who deserves far more attention than he has received. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The following are some extracts from more research into Carlisle's study of evolution. Sadly, his personal papers are lost, so it has only been possible to determine the nature of his research from his published papers. </span>Carlisle
stressed the risks of inter-breeding and its consequent effect on
species, in letters he wrote in 1838 to Alexander Walker where
Carlisle used the phrase 'selecting the fit', twenty-six years before
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) wrote of 'survival of the fittest' in his
</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Principles
of Biology"</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
of 1864, and twenty years before Darwin wrote </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"On
the Origin of Species"</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">.
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.48cm; margin-right: 0.53cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The highly
interesting subject upon which you are writing is remarkably suited
to the passing time in our country. Our aristocracy, by exclusive
intermarriages among ancient families, proceed blindly to breed in
contempt of deformities, of feeble intellect, or of hereditary
madness, under the instigation of pride or the love of wealth, until
their race becomes extinct; while another portentous cause, that of
unwholesome factories, threatens to deteriorate the once brave
manhood of England. I believe that, among mankind, as well as
domesticated animals, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>there
are physical</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
and moral</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>
influences which may be regulated so as to improve or predispose both
the corporeal</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
and moral aptitudes, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>and
certainly the most obvious course is that of selecting the fit</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
[my emphasis] progenitors of both sexes.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>
Carlisle, A, quoted in Walker, Alexander, <i>Intermarriage, </i>London,
John Churchill, 1838, p ii</span></div>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-right: -0.03cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-right: -0.03cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Much earlier, in fact 25 years earlier, prior
to Christmas December 1813, Carlisle tabled a paper, which included mention of the Colburn family, to the Royal
Society, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>On
Monstrosity in the Human Species</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">;</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.46cm; margin-right: 0.53cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The following
account of a family having hands and feet with supernumerary fingers
and toes, and the hereditary transmission of the same peculiarity to
the fourth generation appears to be worth preserving, since it
displays the influence of each of the propagating sexes: the male and
the female branches of the original stem having alike reproduced this
redundancy of parts. ...</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.46cm; margin-right: 0.53cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In every department
of animal nature, <span style="text-decoration: none;">accumulation of
facts must always be desirable, that</span><u> </u><span style="text-decoration: none;">more
reasonable inductions may be established concerning the laws which
direct this interesting part of creation: and</span><u> it might be
attended with the most important consequences, if discovery could be
made of the relative influence of the male and female sex in the
propagation of peculiarities, and the course and extent of hereditary
character could be ascertained</u>, [my emphasis] both as it affects
the human race in their moral and physical capacities, and as it
governs the creatures which are subdued for civilized uses. <u>Nor is
it altogether vain to expect, that more profound views, and more
applicable facts await the researches of men, who have as yet only
begun to explore this branch of natural history, by subjecting it to
physical rules</u>. [my emphasis] … Though the causes which govern
the production of organic monstrosities, or which direct the
hereditary continuance of them may for ever remain unknown, it still
seems desirable to ascertain the variety of those deviations, and to
mark the course they take, where they branch out anew, and where they
terminate. <u>There is doubtless a general system in even the errors
of nature, as is abundantly evinced by the regular series of
monstrosity exhibited both in animals and vegetables</u>. [my
emphasis] … That local resemblances, such as those of external
parts, the hands, the feet, the nose, the ears, and the eye-brows,
are hereditary, is well known; and it is almost equally evident, that
some parts of the internal structure are in like manner transmitted
by propagation: we frequently see a family form of the legs and
joints, which gives a peculiar gait, and a family character of the
shoulders, both of which are derived from an hereditary similarity in
the skeletons. Family voices are also very common and are ascribable
to a similar cause. <a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.46cm; margin-right: 0.53cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.03cm; margin-right: 0.03cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Instances of
supernatural formation were traced by Carlisle through four
successive generations from Zerah Colburn to his great grandmother.
This woman had five fingers and a thumb on each hand, and six toes on
each foot. She had eleven children, ten of whom are said to have had
the same peculiarity complete; but one daughter, the grandmother of
the Zerah, had one of her hands naturally formed. Of the next
generation there were four persons. Abiah, the boy's father, and two
others, had the peculiarity complete; but one of his uncles was like
the grandmother, with one hand natural. The generation under study
were eight in number, of whom four were naturally formed as their
mother; the rest, including Zerah the calculator, had the peculiarity
complete, with the exception of his eldest brother, who had one of
his feet naturally formed. Carlisle had observed they were peculiar
structures of hereditary decent and was acknowledging it was a
natural event, whereas many at that time were taught by the Church it
was punishment by a Divine Being for human actions. Carlisle
surgically removed the extra fingers from Zerah in 1815<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote2sym" name="sdendnote2anc"><sup>ii</sup></a>
and Carlisle, Basil Montagu, and Humphry Davy helped Zerah write an
autobiography.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote3sym" name="sdendnote3anc"><sup>iii</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>
Carlisle, Anthony, <i>Philosophical Transactions for 1814,</i>
London, 1814, p 94-101</div>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote2">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote2anc" name="sdendnote2sym">ii</a>
Colburn, Zerah, <i>A Memoir of Zerah Colburn</i>, Springfield,
Merriam, 1833, p 72</div>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote3">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote3anc" name="sdendnote3sym">iii</a>
<i>The Scots Magazine</i>, Edinburgh, 1813, p 886</div>
<div class="sdendnote">
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.03cm; margin-right: 0.03cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In his 1813 paper,
Carlisle anticipated genetic analysis and genetic variation, when he
stated;</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.49cm; margin-right: 0.62cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In particular breeds
of animals the characteristic signs are generally continued, whether
they belong to the horns of kine, the fleeces of sheep, the
proportions of horses, the extensive varieties of dogs, or the ears
of swine. In China the varieties of gold or silver fishes are
carefully propagated, and with us what are vulgarly called 'fancy
pigeons' are bred into most whimsical deviations from their parent
stock. As wild animals and plants are not liable to the same
variations, and as all the variations seem to increase with the
degree of artificial restraint imposed, and as certain animals become
adapted by extraordinary changes to extraordinary conditions, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>it
may still be expected that some leading fact will eventually furnish
a clue by which organic varieties may be better explained</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">.
[my emphasis] A few generations of wild rabbits, or of pheasants,
under the influences of confinement break their natural colours, and
leave the fur and feathers of their future progeny uncertainly
variegated. The very remarkable changes of the colour of the fur of
the hare, and of the feathers of the partridge, in high northern
latitudes, during the prevalence of the snow, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>and
the adaptation of that change of colour to their better security, are
coincidences out of the course of chance</u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
[my emphasis] and not easily explained by our present state of
physical knowledge.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-right: -0.03cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-right: -0.03cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carlisle elaborated
on extreme variation from the feral state in fancy pigeon breeding;</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.45cm; margin-right: 0.56cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A paper has been
read at the meeting of the Royal Society, by Anthony Carlisle, Esq.
<i>On Monstrosity in the Human Species.</i> The author detailed a
number of examples of monstrosity , hereditary in particular
families, and propagated from one generation to another. All
monstrosity he conceives to take place only in cases where artificial
civilization of man has interfered. Thus varieties of dogs, pigeons,
&c. are easily propagated.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote2sym" name="sdendnote2anc"><sup>ii</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-right: -0.03cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carlisle discounted
the importance of artificial breeding fancy pigeon varieties as an
explanation for the natural variations in species. However, when
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) published “On the Origin of Species”
in 1858, the first chapter he discusses the breeding of pigeon
varieties by breeders as a foundation of his theory. In doing so,
Darwin rejected Carlisle's view of the importance of differentiating
between natural and artificial breeding. O</span></span>n 20
November 1815, Carlisle delivered his second RA lecture demonstrating
common links between man and animals, and indicating the breadth of
his study, later a building block for Alfred Russel Wallace
(1823-1913) and Darwin. The lecture being given eight years before
Wallace was born, and when Darwin was only six years old.</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.5cm; margin-right: 0.5cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mr Carlisle here
continued his miscellaneous observations on the utility of anatomy,
particularly that branch called comparative, to students in art, and
illustrated the system of the bones and skeleton, comparing the human
frame with those of animals, birds, and fishes. This collection, he
observed was a very small one, part of a larger that was open to the
students every Monday, but was sufficient for his purpose. <u>The
analogy between the race of men and of apes was very striking</u>,
[my emphasis] and in all the others very apparent; particularly the
joints of the neck, which in all quadrupeds amount, to seven. The
cameleopard [giraffe], whose gigantic frame support a neck ten feet
in length, has but seven vertebrae in the neck; and the mole, whose
neck is scarcely a quarter of an inch in length, has also seven. He
continued his comparisons much farther, and we regret that our limits
will admit of no more than a few examples. Man and the other climbing
animals have the clavicle, or collar bone; and prone, or creeping
quadrupeds, are destitute of it. Many animals which appear destitute
of certain limbs or organs have them imperfectly developed; as the
lump-like tail of the seal, a skeleton of which he exhibited, contain
the elements of legs and a tail, but hidden by a fat webby membrane;
the fin-like feet of the turtle contain the bones of the carpus and
metacarpus, mid the bones of the fingers or toes; and the wings of
most birds the bones of the upper arm and the two bones of the
forearm and the five bones of the fingers that spread the wings and
give them a motion similar to the pronation and supernation of the
human arm.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote3sym" name="sdendnote3anc"><sup>iii</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.5cm; margin-right: 0.5cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hence unlike Darwin,
Carlisle was unafraid to describe man as just one of the natural
species. The next year, 1816, Carlisle inferred again that man was
just one among numberless species;</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.37cm; margin-right: 0.4cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We shall do more
justice to it by presenting, as nearly as possible in the Professor's
own words, the following remarks on the classification of natural
objects, with which he premised an account of the natural history of
man. <u>“The animal creation presents an immense series of beings,
linked together by various points of family resemblance, and again
subdivided into different species, by distinguishing marks.</u> [my
emphasis] From the earliest periods of civilization, men have
attempted to class and name the several creatures which surround
them. Increasing leisure has brought the most minute and apparently
the most insignificant cant animals under rational consideration; and
a relation and harmonious dependence has been discovered among the
whole, contrary to that seeming confusion which ignorance attributes
to misrule or to chance. The beautiful order of nature has tempted
the vanity of man into a belief that he might catalogue all the
objects of creation, and unite his arts to the laws of unvarying
power. These are the dreams of philosophy. Experience informs us,
that the numberless species of natural objects are assimilated to
each other by shades of connection, which the gross organs and the
limited intellect of man are unable to discriminate. It is impossible
to distinguish and name the several specimens of creation, as if they
had been formed into distinct sets, and were well marked different
links of a definite chain; instead of being as they are a continuous
series. The infinite approaches of similitude in natural things, and
the endless deviations which are discovered by every attempt to class
them together, only adds another convincing proof of the immeasurable
qualities of infinite power. Nor has the idle epithet of imperfect
creatures, as applied to simple animals, any better foundation than
the vulgar nickname of monster, as applied to every strange and
unfamiliar living thing. In the great work of infinite wisdom, there
is no imperfection: each object is exactly fitted to its destiny; and
the immense order of successive generation moves on with unerring,
irresistible, unchanging precision”.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote4sym" name="sdendnote4anc"><sup>iv</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although Carlisle
refers to 'unchanging precision', it is clear from his other comments
he recognised that variations to this 'unchanging precision' could,
and did, arise within the embryo. At this time, even Sir Joseph Banks
accepted the wording of the Bible. Reading between the lines of a
letter of January 1816 written by Banks it appears Carlisle submitted
a paper to the Royal Society which addressed evolution, but it was
rejected by the Society, thereby causing a rift;</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.4cm; margin-right: 0.4cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thus, the noble
creature man, is the destined prey of the head louse, the body louse
& the crab louse, neither of which can exist in any other
situation than on the human body. Of course, as man was the last work
of Creation, he must have maintained all these animals until he had a
wife who might release him from supporting one or two of them; but
till Abel, the younger brother of Cain, was born, there were not more
men than lice destined to feed upon them. But enough of this
nonsense. <u>Until an actual experiment has taught us that an animal
can proceed from another without having been created or begotten,
what inducement can we have for believing that possible from abstract
reasoning which appears impossible from actual experiment? Carlisle
has not entered my house since the Committee of Papers of the RS
refused to print a paper of his</u>, [my emphasis] &, I am told,
has declared that he never will. I hear that he is employed in
hatching a publication in which countenance will be given to those
equivocal doctrines, but I do not hear of one experiment he has to
produce in favour of his doctrine.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote5sym" name="sdendnote5anc"><sup>v</sup></a></span></span></div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>
Carlisle, Anthony, <i>Philosophical Transactions for 1814</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
London, 1814, p 498</span></div>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote2">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote2anc" name="sdendnote2sym">ii</a><i>
The Universal Magazine</i>, London, Sherwood, 1814, p 320</div>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote3">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote3anc" name="sdendnote3sym">iii</a>
<i>New Monthly Magazine</i>, London, Henry Colburn, 1815, p 439-440</div>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote4">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote4anc" name="sdendnote4sym">iv</a>
Elmes, James, <i>Annals of the Fine Arts for MDCCCXVI</i>, London,
1817, p 365</div>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote5">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote5anc" name="sdendnote5sym">v</a>
Banks, Joseph, <i>The Letters of Sir Joseph Banks</i>, London,
Imperial, 2000, p 320-321</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">At
age 70, in 1838, only two years before his death, h</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">e
presented a paper worthy of careful study, although a difficulty is
that Carlisle was so much at the forefront of research, he needed to
coin words and phrases to fit his concepts. For example he refers to
“embrystic evolution” [evolution of the embryo] showing his
belief the divergence of species was initiated by changes at an
embryonic level. His term “embrystic evolution” is startlingly
similar to modern definitions of the evolutionary process, such as;
biological evolution, genetic evolution, or organic evolution. His
view 'they always originate under physical direction', foreshadows
modern genetic science, as we are now taught new species occur from
random, natural, mutations in reproduction of the DNA genetic strand.
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0.46cm; margin-right: 0.58cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the advancement
of natural knowledge, and for the improvement of organic physiology,
it may be useful to collect and to collate various evidences, in
order to establish the laws which direct the formation of similar
figures in different bodies. … For the better understanding of
physiological, and consequently of pathological phenomena, it is very
important to distinguish between physical causes of general
influence, and the especial or peculiar causes termed vital, which
belong conjointly to organized living bodies; <span style="text-decoration: none;">and
the facts now submitted must, </span><u>I believe, lead to more exact
and practical discriminations as to the causes of embrystic
evolution, the growth of organized parts,</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">
the reparation of lesions,</span><u> and morbid deviations from
natural structure</u>.<span style="text-decoration: none;"> If it be
granted that </span><u>arborescing vessels are only gross
accommodations or appliances of convenience in animal function, and
that they always originate under physical direction,</u><span style="text-decoration: none;">
[my emphasis] and not from a vital or mysterious necessity, we may
assume to have made one step further in natural knowledge</span>.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a>
</span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Given
Carlisle's keen study of inherited mutations and his interest in
arborescing vessels, it seems clear he saw a connection between them.
That is, he was thinking about inherited traits, and how they
sometimes reappear in following generations, and sometimes disappear,
leading to permanent physiological changes, or even to extinction,
implicitly in both human and animal lines of descent.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div id="sdendnote1">
<div class="sdendnote">
<a class="sdendnotesym" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>
Barker, Edmund Henry, <i>Literary Anecdotes</i>, London, Smith,
1852, p 254</div>
</div>
Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-42571356058792063572014-02-12T15:40:00.002-08:002014-02-12T15:42:03.895-08:00Unknown - portrait of Rev Mr Roush<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ZGa2s0-xKBrkWQI6BsNbZVsEzzN-F4-cfn0PCG_dG4sNJklSdB-Wv3oDzZkFDKDHcGElAPHbkEfhUkLD9TnTF4KAMzZq6CMc6LirMgnJShgtR0YRFxMFHmQLqRDGwgBuMNsusme2umg/s1600/ds+1485_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00ZGa2s0-xKBrkWQI6BsNbZVsEzzN-F4-cfn0PCG_dG4sNJklSdB-Wv3oDzZkFDKDHcGElAPHbkEfhUkLD9TnTF4KAMzZq6CMc6LirMgnJShgtR0YRFxMFHmQLqRDGwgBuMNsusme2umg/s1600/ds+1485_0002.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a>Although this miniature has the sitter's name on the reverse, it has proved difficult to find out anything about him. At top left it is inscribed either "Rev Mr Roush" or "Rev Wm Roush", or less likely "Routh".<br />
<br />
Without being exceptional, the miniature is well painted and the pointed shape of the nose is reminiscent of the work of James Peale (1749-1831) of Philadelphia. For example, a portrait said to be of James Ladson painted by him in 1799. Peale did his best work between 1786 and 1805, and in his work after 1805 he is said to have been assisted by his daughter Anna Claypoole Peale (1791-1878).<br />
<br />
The pose of this miniature is similar to that of miniatures by both Peale and his daughter, and if a joint work would be less likely to be signed. From the discussion about casework as below, it is believed the miniature probably dates to 1810-1815 and was probably painted in Philadelphia.The name Roush, changed from Rausch, did occur in the Philadelphia area. He is likely therefore to be related to John Roush or Jacob Roush, both of Philadelphia, who were born in the mid 18C and died after 1815.<br />
<br />
One way to date the miniature is by studying the casework which helps to confirm it as an American portrait. I have discussed elsewhere the effect of the 1808 Embargo Act on American miniature portraits. As a consequence of the trade war, it was not possible to import cases and glasses from Britain. Hence for a period of several years from 1808-1815 miniature painters had to make cases out of whatever they could find. In this instance there is, unusually, an inner and outer glass, both with metal bezels as shown in the photographs here. It appears the miniature was made to fit the inner bezel, itself made to fit an available glass. There being no indication of any hanger. As the miniature was then too small for a standard case, the inner half-case and miniature were then placed inside a rectangular ebonised case, which appears to be more likely of French origin, trade with France being easier than with Britain. The miniature is therefore very collectible as being a good example of an Embargo Act "make-do" case. 1485<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyY_Szyap5DWuvpao4O4hz-KcdxYgjAXd8cFj5SC5vHyiRUT89QHgKQGLlDdQovpDB3bdmqpFI8mQsrOC7sfA9nFue4iv3uPD8eiEQdKNGvhFBHC2yTNOB8ojVfgTYcOd9EkpA71WoWU-/s1600/ds+1485_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyY_Szyap5DWuvpao4O4hz-KcdxYgjAXd8cFj5SC5vHyiRUT89QHgKQGLlDdQovpDB3bdmqpFI8mQsrOC7sfA9nFue4iv3uPD8eiEQdKNGvhFBHC2yTNOB8ojVfgTYcOd9EkpA71WoWU-/s1600/ds+1485_0001.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcBdI7EmPWS-1be8YtxZsPb-ykKQKcVk4fZqptUst2FwPLXQXtLT66Odw9jGM-I0D2RtyEV2gZpKdvePyi6_6n2qdaVyL90OE3p7tkAw7sV2Xa_FxDD6ejBhHqwKg66f3BHpD9yMwq-79/s1600/ds+1485_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcBdI7EmPWS-1be8YtxZsPb-ykKQKcVk4fZqptUst2FwPLXQXtLT66Odw9jGM-I0D2RtyEV2gZpKdvePyi6_6n2qdaVyL90OE3p7tkAw7sV2Xa_FxDD6ejBhHqwKg66f3BHpD9yMwq-79/s1600/ds+1485_0004.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrpwQSc0Iv_n3oL4JSV-9iLT0z0aCP5XzZ4JJOv3hyMF9U0oAt-sFknUkoo0sa6wyi83HDJOtSDv73Q7_T3mcv3Pq74hLAPsOe65CfF24-tGUbI19B0lt4juOVaYv2-7gyBBw62J83ve5/s1600/ds+1485_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrpwQSc0Iv_n3oL4JSV-9iLT0z0aCP5XzZ4JJOv3hyMF9U0oAt-sFknUkoo0sa6wyi83HDJOtSDv73Q7_T3mcv3Pq74hLAPsOe65CfF24-tGUbI19B0lt4juOVaYv2-7gyBBw62J83ve5/s1600/ds+1485_0003.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a>
Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-48473307877378408782014-02-11T14:41:00.003-08:002014-02-11T14:56:54.993-08:00Unknown - portrait of Martha Washington<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSpGtEyIp6HJzvHkDnsJDrgcVM29xDAq4xyW45s8Aovn9sOmnEU4ABogrTJBeKl1zIuhWasqAeqgtOfUOrfOEW8QcbVHalr_Zn8uW87h7HXHVeS73Au0QA1CPDpnkhh-V6hUgnQCSPS9y/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSpGtEyIp6HJzvHkDnsJDrgcVM29xDAq4xyW45s8Aovn9sOmnEU4ABogrTJBeKl1zIuhWasqAeqgtOfUOrfOEW8QcbVHalr_Zn8uW87h7HXHVeS73Au0QA1CPDpnkhh-V6hUgnQCSPS9y/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+front.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a><br />
This miniature portrait, only 40mm x 32mm in size, was offered on eBay as a miniature portrait of an unknown lady, being advertised as;<br />
"<i>Antique Early 1800's Bonnet Lady Portrait Miniature on Enamel 14K Gold Case. Shabby Chic Condition Glass Back Case 15.27 grams</i>".<br />
<br />
As such there was limited price competition, even though there were a total of 21 bids, and it was fortunately purchased for this collection for less than the value of the gold content, $160. Thus bargains can occasionally be found even on eBay, that is, provided one is careful and does one's research beforehand as far as practical.<br />
<br />
As can be seen by comparison with the photograph below, it is now revealed as a portrait of Martha Washington. As such it is a copy on enamel of the miniature portrait on ivory by James Peale (1749-1831), painted in 1796 and now residing at Mount Vernon.<br />
<br />
American miniatures on enamel are very uncommon, with one of the very few artists to use the technique being William Russell Birch (1755-1834). Whilst it would be nice to believe it was a contemporary copy by Birch in a later frame, that seems unlikely. Thus it more likely dates from around the time of the Centennial celebrations of 1875-1876. It is unknown whether other examples on enamel were painted at the same time, although no other examples have yet been noticed. Nevertheless it is very well painted, as enamel miniatures require a great deal of skill. That is because the glass pigments used melt at different temperatures, so the adding of different colours takes several firings, as the pigments also change colour during the intense heat of the firing process. Due to that intense method of manufacture, unlike miniatures on ivory, the enamel colours will never fade. The greatest risk thereafter being of scratches to the enamel, or cracking, which is almost impossible to remedy. In addition, the gold-work is exquisite. 1473<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbomEZPKEs1j7UHUfb8Iv5rZnNv7BlXc1C9vml56rpHsNmh4TJMe754_l4kZokMGbfcZMfF41EGNxoqR3Rep0nhSfOjvqtxLlEkSlL35GJLo5Rax9MhY39D1GqGlUMlpshHRS_jh14mDB/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbomEZPKEs1j7UHUfb8Iv5rZnNv7BlXc1C9vml56rpHsNmh4TJMe754_l4kZokMGbfcZMfF41EGNxoqR3Rep0nhSfOjvqtxLlEkSlL35GJLo5Rax9MhY39D1GqGlUMlpshHRS_jh14mDB/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbomEZPKEs1j7UHUfb8Iv5rZnNv7BlXc1C9vml56rpHsNmh4TJMe754_l4kZokMGbfcZMfF41EGNxoqR3Rep0nhSfOjvqtxLlEkSlL35GJLo5Rax9MhY39D1GqGlUMlpshHRS_jh14mDB/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+edge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbomEZPKEs1j7UHUfb8Iv5rZnNv7BlXc1C9vml56rpHsNmh4TJMe754_l4kZokMGbfcZMfF41EGNxoqR3Rep0nhSfOjvqtxLlEkSlL35GJLo5Rax9MhY39D1GqGlUMlpshHRS_jh14mDB/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+edge.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiJlJIcURy47NC-ILWg6ej20c7jSuVUU93hnDgpPuTCe0jSibwJajatikbjLcFY_jUoKZARAIMiaKSfvQIOd9qIyUkVaUnU58GPRz2kLEdPYu0NZgzeYla97SrFNCB2kPdp9O_5_IbYpy/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+reverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiJlJIcURy47NC-ILWg6ej20c7jSuVUU93hnDgpPuTCe0jSibwJajatikbjLcFY_jUoKZARAIMiaKSfvQIOd9qIyUkVaUnU58GPRz2kLEdPYu0NZgzeYla97SrFNCB2kPdp9O_5_IbYpy/s1600/ds+1473+poss+mw+by+wb+reverse.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMudfQ__EShaqs9FvjV4VqnYGwnYjo5AOTfKHw91ESTfZA10ywNqMjDDbp9qb-APnNp3VD1CT3Rlqib03K1nUUoB71ybTOMCVMfU7oCDk2-O4DtzhB6vKp4cxR6y-4PxDJ82wq7gMa2tlb/s1600/ds+1473+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMudfQ__EShaqs9FvjV4VqnYGwnYjo5AOTfKHw91ESTfZA10ywNqMjDDbp9qb-APnNp3VD1CT3Rlqib03K1nUUoB71ybTOMCVMfU7oCDk2-O4DtzhB6vKp4cxR6y-4PxDJ82wq7gMa2tlb/s400/ds+1473+page.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-36362914992163900312014-02-11T13:56:00.002-08:002014-02-11T14:05:08.789-08:00Freeman, George - portrait of a man<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsfRKOX5RHZfVMp-TbmHoZaBGmZivQkj3PZaNic4gDV9WAGAX_C0t2x_H65W6jlgG1KiL-li6_XtcxpRV4VecXmPhu_rOMbqhyphenhyphenT1kmoMuc_bnRB83LGIjaDLq9YC9VBlSHRjOQ5rRx8Mn/s1600/ds+1482+Freeman+out+of+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsfRKOX5RHZfVMp-TbmHoZaBGmZivQkj3PZaNic4gDV9WAGAX_C0t2x_H65W6jlgG1KiL-li6_XtcxpRV4VecXmPhu_rOMbqhyphenhyphenT1kmoMuc_bnRB83LGIjaDLq9YC9VBlSHRjOQ5rRx8Mn/s320/ds+1482+Freeman+out+of+frame.jpg" /></a>This finely painted miniature portrait is signed with an incised signature by George Freeman (1787-1868), an American miniature painter who worked in both the United States and in England. The sitter is unknown, but the detail of the sitter's clothing, and indeed his facial features are very well painted, better than can be seen in this image. 1482<br />
<br />
An early book, "Art and Artists in Connecticut", by H.W. French, written in 1879, records of him.<br />
<i>Among the names unfortunately forgotten by historians is that of George
Freeman, born at Spring Hill, near Mansfield Centre, Conn., April 21,
1789. He was a painter of miniature portraits on porcelain and ivory,
and of no small repute either in England or America. His father was a
farmer of very moderate means, and all that he was in later years
resulted from his own personal efforts. Of the earlier pictures of his
painting that remain are one of Mrs. Sigourney, and several in
possession of Mrs. H.B. Beach of Hartford, executed about 1810. In 1813
he went abroad, remaining in Europe twenty-four years; which accounts
for Mr. Dunlap's oversight. He returned without warning, and took
dinner with his father, telling him he had met his son in Paris and
London. In the latter city his work was highly praised, and he received
the distinguished honor of being allowed to paint Queen Victoria and
Prince Albert from life. He died in Hartford March 7, 1868.</i>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir250VLhuVokAU3nYhkP6S87rjXdQN_9ktYi777yBj7DCHUqXf5mqdDEszaOZ7xszS2EILSws6r3GS3CdeupG5OFq3yL0k7w_8GxQbg2ZF7AAXqk5SlGH6uFGXDZE9-VNLnzMwD9z-o5UU/s1600/ds+1482+Freeman+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir250VLhuVokAU3nYhkP6S87rjXdQN_9ktYi777yBj7DCHUqXf5mqdDEszaOZ7xszS2EILSws6r3GS3CdeupG5OFq3yL0k7w_8GxQbg2ZF7AAXqk5SlGH6uFGXDZE9-VNLnzMwD9z-o5UU/s320/ds+1482+Freeman+signature.jpg" height="78" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kKc-4NR8iDX8In4TNjQGFRAk_MV5U1ZBsRveOtIBvQAehBI-KwJ9fN48C2uM77OmTyhqVpcq-0i6NLmhurxBCG4zlarDlMjTlcPUclxIbvMvKX7_51pTSxxk4C1DHTqWg3tW2mR9GLb4/s1600/ds+1482+George+Freeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kKc-4NR8iDX8In4TNjQGFRAk_MV5U1ZBsRveOtIBvQAehBI-KwJ9fN48C2uM77OmTyhqVpcq-0i6NLmhurxBCG4zlarDlMjTlcPUclxIbvMvKX7_51pTSxxk4C1DHTqWg3tW2mR9GLb4/s320/ds+1482+George+Freeman.jpg" /></a>Included in this collection there is also a miniature portrait of a young lady as below, which was painted on his return to America.
<a class="GHUY-LPPB" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=25486458#editor/target=post;postID=114491272622530063;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=54;src=postname">Freeman, George - portrait of a lady</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjskFg8j0lWbxitlZlJYrEuT3CvO-9sYTURVKdajqwkjT0E9pDpu7wocUNEyOBLE056qjN4kPpMSLINnvgGlbBdFr5Mc2IOe0Ko10zhAbj-cZu7D1tq_P4KlcstXPrKCxkwOdlcAP9K5o/s1600/ds+610+freeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjskFg8j0lWbxitlZlJYrEuT3CvO-9sYTURVKdajqwkjT0E9pDpu7wocUNEyOBLE056qjN4kPpMSLINnvgGlbBdFr5Mc2IOe0Ko10zhAbj-cZu7D1tq_P4KlcstXPrKCxkwOdlcAP9K5o/s1600/ds+610+freeman.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a>
Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-43666466987236377742014-02-11T13:41:00.001-08:002014-02-11T13:42:53.244-08:00Stump, Samuel John - portrait of a young man<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxeXI26CJj2Nz3iSxFe_jND8NSfwibbOr6rLd4qyJb2wWzwDFUIYlL8J33m4PZCicT9b2PswNtvRxXIVhHPS7jU5bYn9Ax703Gyi6WlrZuSexihxfR5OxgQ0_D64S9h213xvX9dEzzwmK/s1600/ds+1478+stump+out+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxeXI26CJj2Nz3iSxFe_jND8NSfwibbOr6rLd4qyJb2wWzwDFUIYlL8J33m4PZCicT9b2PswNtvRxXIVhHPS7jU5bYn9Ax703Gyi6WlrZuSexihxfR5OxgQ0_D64S9h213xvX9dEzzwmK/s1600/ds+1478+stump+out+frame.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a>
The sitter is unknown in this miniature portrait of c1815-1825, but it is signed "Stump pinxt". Samuel John Stump (1778-1863) was a very competent artist who is believed to have been born in USA, although it is not known where. As such he has been included with other American miniatures. He worked in London, Brighton, Zurich, and Geneva.
Unfortunately the miniature is warped and hence the scanned image does not adequately reflect his skill. 1478
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j-ZjxiHjIQZ0sbe5OIM6-U72EGPFbtK6aAf0tBC-4u479OiEH-4-b2cs5EXlNQ2VsWD5GViVNafB_M7FNCwZvueY3aA7Nq7Of6CqUjFtTG5UtkmULCrQYQOprDu6901WaTXCF7lSWP_d/s1600/ds+1478+Stump+signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1j-ZjxiHjIQZ0sbe5OIM6-U72EGPFbtK6aAf0tBC-4u479OiEH-4-b2cs5EXlNQ2VsWD5GViVNafB_M7FNCwZvueY3aA7Nq7Of6CqUjFtTG5UtkmULCrQYQOprDu6901WaTXCF7lSWP_d/s1600/ds+1478+Stump+signature.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboTY2peFx8q707Z8ENuDa4fMKYvnVh-2NvmD-Qd7kXdsUmyFphLLBOqgHRnY7hzT7lsa2AQ9t-pCq75nfWYqs6JoHdHlGWzjjeWTnB1c5NdV0roOP3pgVfaWTTO0Lot_2a7dwwEWxbG_D/s1600/ds+1478+Stump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboTY2peFx8q707Z8ENuDa4fMKYvnVh-2NvmD-Qd7kXdsUmyFphLLBOqgHRnY7hzT7lsa2AQ9t-pCq75nfWYqs6JoHdHlGWzjjeWTnB1c5NdV0roOP3pgVfaWTTO0Lot_2a7dwwEWxbG_D/s1600/ds+1478+Stump.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-13266937811501046382013-03-31T15:25:00.000-07:002016-06-28T18:49:45.574-07:00Trott, Benjamin - portrait of a man<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp2Aen9GePGxFL2r6BNO3iuW6jUuKtWRC8pe9NrORIZcds3CcIZf94FUT6GC68JRxrJsTz8Nwa8LJA_mc5Y4NdveDhtKpfwWqjo-TJQQZIxjCsAvjs2evrqgIvyFRdgdNVUvpGQeigqVP/s1600/ds+1476+Benjamin+Trott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnp2Aen9GePGxFL2r6BNO3iuW6jUuKtWRC8pe9NrORIZcds3CcIZf94FUT6GC68JRxrJsTz8Nwa8LJA_mc5Y4NdveDhtKpfwWqjo-TJQQZIxjCsAvjs2evrqgIvyFRdgdNVUvpGQeigqVP/s400/ds+1476+Benjamin+Trott.jpg" width="311" /></a><br />
<br />
This particular miniature was advertised on eBay by a specialist art dealer in Paris as;<br />
<i>ANTIQUE French Empire Miniature Painting on Ivory Gentleman c1800 Ebonized Frame
You are viewing an exquisite French miniature portrait of a gentleman circa 1790 to 1810. I have taken lots of closeup photographs to show the quality of the painting. The detail in the man's hair and scarf is exceptional. It comes with what looks like the original lacquered frame with an oval gilt brass surround and an oak and acorn hanger. The image measures approximately 3 x 2 1/3 inches; the frame measures approximately 6 x 5 1/4 inches. Both painting and frame show signs of wear consistent with an antique around 200 years old. Some chipping to the frame (which appears to be papier mache), and some scratching and paint oxidation to the portrait (please refer to photos or email me with specific condition questions). The piece comes with its convex glass which has no cracks or chips. Shipping will be $15 internationally from France. Please view my feedbacks and bid with confidence on this great European artwork.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUmiTiR83ZZ50K1hzSvkft7SU8vdvGo-wXq_znPoZ1eMik8zEaxa5zznjY1779aoxkprpkfcc9YAPA_flAwxF-HsRCcy3u351dFdamMFNS7c_OTLmWKg0N6ZjlhdEPVUHr5fh_vbqiUM/s1600/atrott.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUmiTiR83ZZ50K1hzSvkft7SU8vdvGo-wXq_znPoZ1eMik8zEaxa5zznjY1779aoxkprpkfcc9YAPA_flAwxF-HsRCcy3u351dFdamMFNS7c_OTLmWKg0N6ZjlhdEPVUHr5fh_vbqiUM/s320/atrott.png" width="253" /></a>Although this one of an unknown man was advertised in France, early miniatures did sometimes cross and recross the Atlantic with settlers or with residents returning to Europe. In this instance, the distinctive style of the background made me believe it was by the noted American artist, Benjamin Trott (1770-1843). Despite some minor paint disturbance at the very bottom, at a price of $325 it was therefore a fortunate 'bargain'. The price being fair for an unknown artist, but enhanced by an attribution to Trott, which seems a fair and reasonable attribution, but it is always difficult to be 100% sure of an artist. <br />
<br />
Trott lived in Philadelphia in 1806-1820. He was noted for the tousled hair of his sitters and after 1800 a technique of assured, dashing, fluid brushwork applied in natural, clear, colors. Backgrounds with a sky motif were created by floating on this washes of white and blue and leaving large areas of the ivory unpainted. These characteristics can be seen here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTTcEYi2mOFFNx4MQz3me8myBPgRZht5cFiW74kt6fTdfSSPvmXZn__fIs95gH0yUcgZ5kYs0i9HH3bJl5BHf0J4CJW0xsFTEuzoTk6OKeoJcr2ZKLduuzocv4wbuH0FD1lMMGrPMYTiH/s1600/met.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTTcEYi2mOFFNx4MQz3me8myBPgRZht5cFiW74kt6fTdfSSPvmXZn__fIs95gH0yUcgZ5kYs0i9HH3bJl5BHf0J4CJW0xsFTEuzoTk6OKeoJcr2ZKLduuzocv4wbuH0FD1lMMGrPMYTiH/s1600/met.jpg" /></a></div>
There is in the Guest Gallery this right above portrait by Trott where a similar cloud effect can be seen and the effect can also be seen in various other portraits by Trott. <a class="l" href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fguest-gallery.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Ftrott-benjamin-portrait-of-dr-john.html&ei=06xYUf_LCcnNiAfq_4HoCg&usg=AFQjCNF639ee8B7l1hx_jiYumeUDzPaGrg&sig2=ovUYUyadaNSl-qUUzDAN2g&bvm=bv.44442042,d.dGY"> Guest Gallery: <i>Trott</i>, <i>Benjamin</i> - <i>portrait of Dr John Floyd</i></a> The Metropolitan Museum has this portrait of Charles Floyd by Trott to the right, which presumably depicts a brother of Dr John Floyd.<a class="l" href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmetmuseum.org%2FCollections%2Fsearch-the-collections%2F20013186%3Frpp%3D20%26pg%3D1%26rndkey%3D20130127%26ft%3D*%26what%3DBone%26who%3DBenjamin%2BTrott%26pos%3D8&ei=yshYUe6lIcGdkwXf_IAQ&usg=AFQjCNHJzgPiWI66jDtGiOqxDq00i5lMgg&sig2=4ZpPUQt5YChy_Ua5o_2w0A&bvm=bv.44442042,d.dGY"> The Metropolitan Museum of Art - <i>Charles Floyd</i></a><br />
<br />
Another interesting point about the new addition to this collection is the framing. I have written previously expressing views about the impact of the Embargo Act on American miniatures, and concern about those dealers who remove original frames and replace them with more attractive frames to enhance the selling value. Sometimes that is unavoidable if the frame is damaged, but I believe the 'make-do' frames of 1808-1812 are a special case and should be retained as legitimate and important evidence of the effects on trade of the Embargo Act. A search of this website will bring up more comments, such as those at<a class="l" href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CEQQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Faminports3.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F06%2Funknown-french-artist-unknown-man-of.html&ei=NLdYUYyGCMmgkQXX6YDgBQ&usg=AFQjCNHiKv4ZwJWd6z_Zmdi1xdUBX0utuA&sig2=SBDPsXSXNCoGTQunnlCBrw&bvm=bv.44442042,d.dGY"> 3 American <i>Miniature Portraits</i>: Unknown French artist - Unknown <b>...</b></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBig-G0_3Dp2pVPvhyu9DlCJpr07YghkknkCt4uBBrJPjTZhKOSwYnI6hCTLFIsjI92Jv3C0qthscVLrkEG28CjwxjzvvD2fYCWPfbHfX_klHi3HUsZdXz5l1I0NIWYcb1L0jyyyUQntn/s1600/ds+1476+Trott+full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBig-G0_3Dp2pVPvhyu9DlCJpr07YghkknkCt4uBBrJPjTZhKOSwYnI6hCTLFIsjI92Jv3C0qthscVLrkEG28CjwxjzvvD2fYCWPfbHfX_klHi3HUsZdXz5l1I0NIWYcb1L0jyyyUQntn/s1600/ds+1476+Trott+full.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In this instance a sliver of additional ivory can be seen on the extreme right of the unframed portrait. This was used to try and fill the observable view from the front, but from the rear it is obvious the case was still too large. This, and the use of an ebonised type frame, allows me to date the miniature as painted in Philadelphia in 1808-1812. The Embargo Act prevented the importation of oval gold casework from Britain. Artists often still had residual stock of blank ivory plaques, but new gold metal cases and glasses were unavailable.<br />
<br />
It may surprise non-collectors to realise that early miniatures slightly vary in size and oval shape.
As a result between 1808-1812 artists had to either make up cases from scrap material or use frames of slightly the wrong size. In this instance Trott needed to use an ebonised frame slightly too large and hence needed to add a sliver of ivory on the right. 1476<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cowanauctions.com/itemImages/nn6160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://www.cowanauctions.com/itemImages/nn6160.jpg" style="max-width: 700px;" width="291" /></a> <img alt="Benjamin Trott (1770-1843), miniature portrait of john baldwin large (1780-1866), Watercolor on ivory, gilt locket case. Accompanied by" height="320" src="https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/freemans/91/286891/H0062-L16612638.jpg" style="display: inline;" title="Click for full-sized image." width="243" /><br />
<br />
Recently Cowan's Auctions advertised the right hand miniature of Henry Clay by Benjamin Trott with an estimate of $6000-$8000 despite it being cracked down the middle. This indicates how significant the sitter can be in establishing a price for a miniature portrait. That on the left was sold as lot 475 by Freeman's for $10,000 in April 2010, it being a portrait of John Baldwin Large (1780-1866). However, both those prices seem rather high for Trott as an artist, so there may have been special circumstances. The Freeman's estimate was $3000-$5000 which seems more reasonable, although it has to be admitted miniatures by the better American artists are increasingly difficult to find.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAgXWRlrDGkiXEKLd987uldEELZ16Vv9xvv3LmibdI95_agTmfJya2LmIJyssZOC8c10vddatX17dknjBotam83qiWn3JfA6lQdIBISaK6MQ7CZTexjapdELuMA9Ql3EhTf2Kzp7do_mL/s1600/William+Newton+Lane+miniature+by+Benj+Trott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAgXWRlrDGkiXEKLd987uldEELZ16Vv9xvv3LmibdI95_agTmfJya2LmIJyssZOC8c10vddatX17dknjBotam83qiWn3JfA6lQdIBISaK6MQ7CZTexjapdELuMA9Ql3EhTf2Kzp7do_mL/s200/William+Newton+Lane+miniature+by+Benj+Trott.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Much later: a kind visitor has forwarded this photo of a family ancestor depicted in a very good miniature by Benjamin Trott; it is of William Newton Lane (1772-1822).<br />
<br />
Although not all Trott's miniatures are painted in the same way, the commonality of style in the examples here gives a good indication of what to look for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Later again, June 2016 - As an indication of the often limited expert knowledge about American Miniatures, I recently noted Lot 133, as below, at <a href="http://auctions.bidsquare.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/1532/"><span class="auction-name" id="auction-title1">Americana & Fine and Decorative Art: Important Kentucky Estates </span>
<span class="auction-date" id="auction-title3">06/24/2016 10:00 AM EDT</span>
</a>
<span class="account-company"><a href="http://www.bidsquare.com/auction-house/cowans-auctions" target="_blank">Cowan's Auctions</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="account-company">This lot had an estimate of $50-$100, but I was fairly confident the man was painted by Benjamin Trott. I opted not to bid, but as the item was being auctioned for charity, I decided it was only fair to send Cowans an email prior to the auction, saying I believed it was by Benjamin Trott. I do not know whether they mentioned that at the time of the auction, but it was clear that other collectors had a similar view, as it sold for $3,075. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="account-company">However, if it had been properly catalogued I believe it could have sold for even more. The moral of the story is that catalogue descriptions are often inaccurate, and it is still possible to locate bargains. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsGjv1A3lHJJEo6puUtH1BDcEPE8AKvyDLR5WW_A8C0b7NgB-Nkj_Bv-OLV7xdXhVS5rxADKe-w3QglwL15CCNk9N-hbkw-UAlGbi2VEoQrtyPKjUvjsP7itkfKmbs4L6I99LS1KSWAUk/s1600/trott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsGjv1A3lHJJEo6puUtH1BDcEPE8AKvyDLR5WW_A8C0b7NgB-Nkj_Bv-OLV7xdXhVS5rxADKe-w3QglwL15CCNk9N-hbkw-UAlGbi2VEoQrtyPKjUvjsP7itkfKmbs4L6I99LS1KSWAUk/s640/trott.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-64493638185117171322013-03-31T14:06:00.002-07:002013-03-31T14:08:41.257-07:00Henri, Pierre - portrait of a lady<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3_YXGZphJIgwbGiTeCyBMU7N91gdP0lPWCQHpmpRi1IbSgw2MXV4nqYbNI_GS1Q9Exsofv6BtTCjGBVXJSFOL3PnLQjWilEetH9vXujMRyVQPIRaZBqCxFtzY1yzQKaxFnKdtwhSvhg7/s1600/ds+1467+poss.+pierre+henri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3_YXGZphJIgwbGiTeCyBMU7N91gdP0lPWCQHpmpRi1IbSgw2MXV4nqYbNI_GS1Q9Exsofv6BtTCjGBVXJSFOL3PnLQjWilEetH9vXujMRyVQPIRaZBqCxFtzY1yzQKaxFnKdtwhSvhg7/s320/ds+1467+poss.+pierre+henri.jpg" width="258" /></a>This miniature portrait has some paint disturbance to the left of the face, but is otherwise in good condition for an age of around 200 years. It was acquired unframed, so was little regarded by the previous owner.<br />
<br />
The appeal of the portrait is that it may possibly be by Pierre Henri (1760-1822), a French artist who emigrated to America around the time of the French Revolution. The extra lace around the neck of the dress and hairstyle date to around 1815-1820, so the date is acceptable for Henri, as a later work when he was troubled by gout which affected the quantity and quality his work<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJmSvKDm1zIHBteRhvGpJiDeUHtotus2wZejVahI7J6Lw7DoU9Z_7MvYRD-jfJslcnhmYhglJMYti4QsCd26mq-T-RPnlXZVpN_udA7bizbKdheeCiA1MKMmR1tJQ28Utp7obXCqRz0Cn/s1600/ds+1439_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJmSvKDm1zIHBteRhvGpJiDeUHtotus2wZejVahI7J6Lw7DoU9Z_7MvYRD-jfJslcnhmYhglJMYti4QsCd26mq-T-RPnlXZVpN_udA7bizbKdheeCiA1MKMmR1tJQ28Utp7obXCqRz0Cn/s320/ds+1439_0001.jpg" /></a>His work is often characterized by over large heads which tend to be placed high on the ivory. He tended to pay more attention to the detail of clothing than some other miniature painters active in America at that time.<br />
<br />
Johnson notes that the features are strongly delineated, with large round eyes and a slightly curling mouth. Skin tones are pale and backgrounds of a neutral shade. Although he often signed his work this was note always the case.<br />
<br />
Below for comparison is another portrait in this collection which is by Pierre Henri <a class="GFJVYHBBPB" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6282005678773288929#editor/target=post;postID=1278413004100413856;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=10;src=postname">Henri, Pierre - portrait of John Glover Cowell</a> This other one was painted around 1795-1800 and has similarities as well as differences. Thus the attribution of the lady to Henri can only be tentative. 1467 Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-11484440972551013582013-03-31T13:35:00.002-07:002013-03-31T13:35:15.122-07:00Unknown - portrait of young lady<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17XmtUSsiofHiHo96D3s3DUIwMo_5xEfjfbmFmU_ljyaE3tTPUpursdI3wmiNObS6v9aR2cFedXO48-8niiYkR2hcwOtk0w44QyDOvuDtOEHu4VpbeWyWP9Zt-fCWBqDbAv2CEKqRDT5h/s1600/ds+1468+young+lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17XmtUSsiofHiHo96D3s3DUIwMo_5xEfjfbmFmU_ljyaE3tTPUpursdI3wmiNObS6v9aR2cFedXO48-8niiYkR2hcwOtk0w44QyDOvuDtOEHu4VpbeWyWP9Zt-fCWBqDbAv2CEKqRDT5h/s320/ds+1468+young+lady.jpg" width="274" /></a>This is a well painted portrait by an American artist and dates to around 1845. Sadly, the sitter is unknown, but the style of the portrait suggests it was painted shortly after the daguerreotype was introduced in 1840, as the sitter is gazing at the artist is a manner seen in early photographs, when it was necessary to keep absolutely still while the photo was taken.<br />
<br />
The artist is unknown, although there are some similarities with the work of Moses B Russell. The sitter has a strong chin and looks to be a determined young lady. 1468Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-31945943456151157202012-03-22T22:45:00.004-07:002012-03-22T23:54:11.472-07:00Wood, Joseph - portrait of a naval officer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5gc2OYYPJQJkreixPnbNcOYgaFNGyAhIYRLNoHFl_EQY5d6IFc5_LSTe_jeEDTQWiv4thGbApOcZThPox-5ZoCeaiP0U9KtMSEuQFm3-Z3koU0KxMS5zz3sVBEvREOLwBHnKbZ7G5wjQ/s1600/ds+1465_0001.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5gc2OYYPJQJkreixPnbNcOYgaFNGyAhIYRLNoHFl_EQY5d6IFc5_LSTe_jeEDTQWiv4thGbApOcZThPox-5ZoCeaiP0U9KtMSEuQFm3-Z3koU0KxMS5zz3sVBEvREOLwBHnKbZ7G5wjQ/s320/ds+1465_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722964995525977554" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkueUqJE8nZGTK_vJTRuOwtfVEn25sgOziY_RertNHIVxU1fNS0PXbk8cuOqJt7JK7xRc698lZw0LhzhKNHnq8qhU19XOIhFMLnUOukLWKB_MdCi9jcGhPR0UsL71pYDsSi-CkYYPEVB2/s1600/ds+1465_0002.tif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 227px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkueUqJE8nZGTK_vJTRuOwtfVEn25sgOziY_RertNHIVxU1fNS0PXbk8cuOqJt7JK7xRc698lZw0LhzhKNHnq8qhU19XOIhFMLnUOukLWKB_MdCi9jcGhPR0UsL71pYDsSi-CkYYPEVB2/s320/ds+1465_0002.tif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722965000482978466" border="0" /></a>Although there is a preference for named sitters, this attractive miniature was acquired from New York as an unidentified naval officer by an unknown artist. It was housed in an out of period daguerreotype case dating to twenty years later. As such it was not an easy miniature to attribute to an artist, especially from an Internet image.<br /><br />However, on arrival the sky background was found to be somewhat brighter than had been expected which assisted. After side by side comparison with many other examples and searching through reference books it has seemed appropriate to attribute the miniature to Joseph Wood (1778-1840) who worked in New York. On the sitter's right shoulder (i.e. the viewer's left) can be seen a shoulder flash, indicating he was a naval officer, perhaps a Lieutenant?<br /><br />Wood was the son of a New York farmer and ran away from home at age 15 to New York City where he became apprenticed to a silversmith. He learned to paint by copying miniatures which had been left with the silversmith for mounting. In 1801 he established himself as an oil portrait and miniature painter. In 1803 he was joined in partnership by John Wesley Jarvis (1780-1840) and around that time was also taught more about miniature painting by Edward Greene Malbone (1777-1807). The partnership with Jarvis had ended by 1810 and in 1811 Wood took on Nathaniel Rogers (1787-1844) as an apprentice, before moving to Philadelphia in c1813 and Washington c1816-18. During his last years he became noted for a dissolute lifestyle and undertook few commissions. From this brief outline it is clear his main output as a miniature painter was restricted to about 25 years, 1801-c1825.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1I6i8n6-wN8OAVCoa11MpT5PRdLXyAHQqQ_zAhQc02tjm2CF4LTCxjM9dhJ9DgFzseQNS8EX5UvCWz1PYjKBPmTdLathp6JSDJLEv211afiPRJ0mvnmhVPKZ8svtGdie1wwyVjQmK6qB/s1600/woodr.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1I6i8n6-wN8OAVCoa11MpT5PRdLXyAHQqQ_zAhQc02tjm2CF4LTCxjM9dhJ9DgFzseQNS8EX5UvCWz1PYjKBPmTdLathp6JSDJLEv211afiPRJ0mvnmhVPKZ8svtGdie1wwyVjQmK6qB/s200/woodr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722154150159525650" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz93ueLeC6zYbc3K5eGZyjcObHKeh6OszKosJx_XRy2qqAbTQ2pq99C7x1dj64csGR4KfnNP7i3kKHbVhLtSCgUEYTsmmuXZ88yRuNHds9Fa5nl2lD_HDJYKYTccMABA9x1WbvsASgIGYE/s1600/woodf1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz93ueLeC6zYbc3K5eGZyjcObHKeh6OszKosJx_XRy2qqAbTQ2pq99C7x1dj64csGR4KfnNP7i3kKHbVhLtSCgUEYTsmmuXZ88yRuNHds9Fa5nl2lD_HDJYKYTccMABA9x1WbvsASgIGYE/s200/woodf1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722154148990069858" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSL1_OySc2eGM6Ag4C6QnX46-iU16isDPYX3pCbFo0tYWx2GhUL97k4myyaf906b-SjLiNv5KbGzX3uounbGE7-2I-2OAxEz_vA28Pj-QET0J2xvt3zbaq5zD-cMiQwW9DySryWcFzzcr/s1600/woodf.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 174px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSL1_OySc2eGM6Ag4C6QnX46-iU16isDPYX3pCbFo0tYWx2GhUL97k4myyaf906b-SjLiNv5KbGzX3uounbGE7-2I-2OAxEz_vA28Pj-QET0J2xvt3zbaq5zD-cMiQwW9DySryWcFzzcr/s200/woodf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722154146322672290" border="0" /></a>Attribution of the miniature to Wood, made it possible to suggest why the case was mismatched. In 2009 I noted the miniature depicted here in a "make-do" ebonised frame, was likely by Joseph Wood when it sold on eBay to another buyer. In this example Wood has made the background made darker, which was necessary in this instance to contrast with the sitter's white hair. As I mentioned in 2009, in my opinion the case for this second miniature, as showing here, was an important example of make-do Embargo casework, dictated by shortages of British casework supplies during the War, as has been discussed elsewhere. It is therefore likely the earlier case for the naval officer fell to pieces and the miniature was rehoused in a daguerreotype case.<br /><br />The process also resulted in a decision to write a brief research paper on Joseph Wood when it became clear that several miniatures attributed to him were by different artists. The paper demonstrates why the above examples are believed to be by the same artist and can be seen at <span style="font-style: italic;">Discussing Joseph Wood</span> at <a target="_blank" class="link" href="http://portmin.blogspot.com/2012/03/april-2012-discussing-joseph-wood.html">View</a> 1465Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-24584783533718444242012-02-09T12:26:00.000-08:002012-02-09T13:30:51.149-08:00De Lagercrantz, Ava - portrait of a gentleman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZCnhzO_FZUF1zUHfFZF1Ye0TF9bZnteeE8F6iXdatsGAq7priSnGfzDjIub5KVOk0HqVcaQFWYPinF-J0h5dfgM6OvfNh6CdUj-hO1q2idU2dHMoYZ_xNApe7_s_5KZ0K6uX4WdpU6Bt/s1600/ds+1455+de+lagercrantz.jpg_0001.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZCnhzO_FZUF1zUHfFZF1Ye0TF9bZnteeE8F6iXdatsGAq7priSnGfzDjIub5KVOk0HqVcaQFWYPinF-J0h5dfgM6OvfNh6CdUj-hO1q2idU2dHMoYZ_xNApe7_s_5KZ0K6uX4WdpU6Bt/s320/ds+1455+de+lagercrantz.jpg_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707237410321736034" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_IIMjQ215bCDEbl38GcZWnfLiImSkjAlh6BokF6jmV4Php84LJIyQVlr2vggfilr6JHA0BoOuaP_46Pad8YgRQ7ClQ_NGDO618MxDhAWZuO4RxxvTpsj1D-zJSyenuubXhHInw6BQSx/s1600/ds+1455+de+lagercrantz.jpg_0002.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_IIMjQ215bCDEbl38GcZWnfLiImSkjAlh6BokF6jmV4Php84LJIyQVlr2vggfilr6JHA0BoOuaP_46Pad8YgRQ7ClQ_NGDO618MxDhAWZuO4RxxvTpsj1D-zJSyenuubXhHInw6BQSx/s320/ds+1455+de+lagercrantz.jpg_0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707237410453429026" border="0" /></a>Although the sitter in this American miniature portrait is unknown, the artist is Ava de Lagercrantz, born as Hedvig Gustafa Lagercrantz (9 July 1862-6 May 1938), a Swedish royal portrait painter, active in Sweden (painting Oscar II and Gustav V), New York (1903-1923), Stockholm (1923 to 1936) and Paris (1936-1938).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnI2gW1GgoFmt0olJTNq0_83d4YTxRD88dmICOEhAlAyD9914tUJhmj4yCA33ok6to8IpP0sH-qY2eWsFlwD07QjcNhNyHccIctpWYHWq-F9a59wQSWMBrboe1hwPCNo4fiwgn3AJst_l/s1600/avayoung.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnI2gW1GgoFmt0olJTNq0_83d4YTxRD88dmICOEhAlAyD9914tUJhmj4yCA33ok6to8IpP0sH-qY2eWsFlwD07QjcNhNyHccIctpWYHWq-F9a59wQSWMBrboe1hwPCNo4fiwgn3AJst_l/s320/avayoung.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707249230239668802" border="0" /></a>Her photograph shows her a a young woman. She studied with Kerstin Cardon in Stockholm and Professor Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911) in Paris. She exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1888, 1889 and 1890. In Paris, she painted a portrait of August Strindberg (1849-1912), which now hangs at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. In 1935 she had an exhibition in the Artists' House in Stockholm. It was during her residence in New York, which she twice called back to Sweden, to paint the above noted reigning monarchs.<br /><br />Lagercrantz was a cousin of Sweden's Ambassador in Washington, Herman Lagercrantz and this became a gateway for orders for portraits in oils, pastels and miniatures from the diplomatic corps, the world of opera and prominent New Yorkers. She was the daughter of Vice Admiral Jacob Reinhold Lagercrantz. Her well-executed portrait of the father was awarded the First Prize at the Paris Salon 1890th In the 1889 Paris Salon, she up with a self-portrait, reproduced in the catalog. Ava's uncle was Sweden's finance minister Gustav Lagercrantz .<br /><br />The Ava called themselves the Lagercrantz rather than just Lagercrantz had in New York, the purpose, to inform clients that she was of noble (and non-jew) birth and therefore entitled to a slightly higher fee than other, otherwise comparable artists.<br /><br />Ava died unmarried and childless. She also painted landscapes. Her photographic portrait as an older woman is held by Harvard University.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z2fFo-Oj2g-Kl0CUpEvbVa0cY8Pmo2fMLdUedxZPnxFPgBoCPGJ7Sv4y4ysyfvw6Z3vZbo6ggRJucTxB7qOirJz2ZcFJFoJbWAaDRfnGlJ192VYrLYprOqyXM7MTrbYhCG8QQJWhIrWD/s1600/ava.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z2fFo-Oj2g-Kl0CUpEvbVa0cY8Pmo2fMLdUedxZPnxFPgBoCPGJ7Sv4y4ysyfvw6Z3vZbo6ggRJucTxB7qOirJz2ZcFJFoJbWAaDRfnGlJ192VYrLYprOqyXM7MTrbYhCG8QQJWhIrWD/s400/ava.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707246372522991250" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc0BV_Eq5ixGTsomLvFfq6AY5Ucckj-zzRRPWlnvOz_uAeuFt_KkDvRsCXokl2egExjXPbfCmiqPJ3bqdbyRziXh29xgysfcrkm5rYTGmJCI0mT54USOkqwZkkFimVEMWY1ImjOUsrmTM/s1600/lagercrantz.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc0BV_Eq5ixGTsomLvFfq6AY5Ucckj-zzRRPWlnvOz_uAeuFt_KkDvRsCXokl2egExjXPbfCmiqPJ3bqdbyRziXh29xgysfcrkm5rYTGmJCI0mT54USOkqwZkkFimVEMWY1ImjOUsrmTM/s320/lagercrantz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707240721525021554" border="0" /></a>She participated in Exhibitions by Swedish-American Artists at the Swedish Club of Chicago and was listed in the Women's Who's Who of America for 1914/1915;<br />Lagercrantz Ava de, Carnegie Hall, 883 Seventh Av., N.T. City. Portrait and miniature painter; b. Carlscrona, Sweden; daughter of Vice-Admiral Jakob Reindold and Nedvig Otilia (Llndstrom) de Lagercrantz; educated in Sweden, studied art in Paris with Jules Lefebvre, Benjamin Constant, Tony Robert Fleury. Has exhibited in Paris Salon and various countries abroad, and in the United States. Painted King Oscar II and Princess Therese of Sweden; was called back in 1908 to Stockholm to paint King Gustaf V (miniature); has painted other royalties and many noted people. Resident of N.Y. City since 1903. Member N.Y. Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U2_x5hoXeGcjoDbsnFCsL05FY7H3jihI2MGnTCwDUmpML4KdbSY0bfXk6oJ9YH542AFnj5AgPTqx4Ww0OpHU1qJVHF1XQ1GsI1nNGNDuAXcVxT_RjUxj20bz73s0enwj7R9lB7lAlYcA/s1600/ds+1455+de+lagercrantz.jpg_0003.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U2_x5hoXeGcjoDbsnFCsL05FY7H3jihI2MGnTCwDUmpML4KdbSY0bfXk6oJ9YH542AFnj5AgPTqx4Ww0OpHU1qJVHF1XQ1GsI1nNGNDuAXcVxT_RjUxj20bz73s0enwj7R9lB7lAlYcA/s320/ds+1455+de+lagercrantz.jpg_0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707237413028447794" border="0" /></a>It is interesting to note her membership of an anti-sufferage organisation. This may have been a pragmatic move, designed to avoid alienating potential sitters. 1453Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-36981696036090452992012-02-09T11:26:00.000-08:002012-02-09T12:25:50.913-08:00Hooper, Rosa - portraits of Palo Alto couple<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpyO720pugtY_iBdnHt7RJqSwaCCXxuQr8EXNVaxJDayWbp8Q8lUh3ekJnWF0e8SokzeFJuzplqKY5EJZIjmmbsAvLvcQ1-PZAYDCZIKXMiKDoN0tpUCKnoY4tttL5oZ9SPb2cic5TmUv/s1600/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0007.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpyO720pugtY_iBdnHt7RJqSwaCCXxuQr8EXNVaxJDayWbp8Q8lUh3ekJnWF0e8SokzeFJuzplqKY5EJZIjmmbsAvLvcQ1-PZAYDCZIKXMiKDoN0tpUCKnoY4tttL5oZ9SPb2cic5TmUv/s320/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707227350763713490" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtnRWXOphv3MMpkLr4_Cj_5xkE0iZb9tzyUhD8aJ0W_dDCheZwYe_QPPKWhVq-CvProhsVDhc49tBpGfDKJ9y57FIGomPWiyms_6bTRJWQBYrPdDJT44FpZYkSN5yWxyuDXe-K7x5da2D/s1600/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtnRWXOphv3MMpkLr4_Cj_5xkE0iZb9tzyUhD8aJ0W_dDCheZwYe_QPPKWhVq-CvProhsVDhc49tBpGfDKJ9y57FIGomPWiyms_6bTRJWQBYrPdDJT44FpZYkSN5yWxyuDXe-K7x5da2D/s320/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707227345750830738" border="0" /></a>This pair of miniature portraits of an unknown couple are by the American artist Rosa Hooper (19 Jul 1876-11 Mar 1963). She was born in San Francisco which makes her unusual as a miniature painter from the West Coast as most artists were from the East Coast. She was the founder of the California Society of Miniature Painters in 1912 which continued to exist until 1972. There are several miniatures in this collection by later presidents of that society, including Martha Baxter and Katherine Starr.<br /><br />Although the sitters are unknown, the portraits were acquired from Palo Alto where Hooper lived. The sitters would have been wealthy residents of the area, so it may be possible to find contemporary portraits in social pages or family albums that would enable the sitters to be identified.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoICnouhakQrraec6CzJ5X_kepKX2U_odpEJmT0ZU1amw71G1fSNEWMjhnpZX5JEFL_VfbFuKuJ82vfbOexC-tOGmv2iCaWvmgZEzrHrHv0CXl-W9j-OR12cURUs7krmsLsGmZ47R3xkq/s1600/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0006.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoICnouhakQrraec6CzJ5X_kepKX2U_odpEJmT0ZU1amw71G1fSNEWMjhnpZX5JEFL_VfbFuKuJ82vfbOexC-tOGmv2iCaWvmgZEzrHrHv0CXl-W9j-OR12cURUs7krmsLsGmZ47R3xkq/s320/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707227365186112146" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLAauYhXlUC56BUzBKJSxeiMzRnrcUTLjWMqVFwpByYr8iIpaKKjreVn1Bn0-zA617xMe1nxbtypo6OLCNKdc0PVwngWUeEmY-UvKFYcqdMJgSh8R8pZ7PN8vRXUwSBhbYwk6_zgzaC_Y/s1600/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0005.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLAauYhXlUC56BUzBKJSxeiMzRnrcUTLjWMqVFwpByYr8iIpaKKjreVn1Bn0-zA617xMe1nxbtypo6OLCNKdc0PVwngWUeEmY-UvKFYcqdMJgSh8R8pZ7PN8vRXUwSBhbYwk6_zgzaC_Y/s320/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707227352738772722" border="0" /></a>Hooper began her art studies at the Mark Hopkins Institute and continued under Mne. de Billemont in Paris and Otto Eckhardt in Dresden. She wed Chas A. Plotner in 1903 but divorced him to marry Wm Lyon in 1911. She was a resident of San Francisco, Palo Alto, La Jolla, and died in Millbrae, CA on March 11, 1963. Member: SF Women Painters; Spinner's Club (SF); San Diego Art Guild. Exh: SFAA, 1900-1912; Sketch Club, 1907; Alaska-Yukon Exp.<br /><br />The Rootsweb site includes a lot of information about her kindly collected by other researchers;<br />From: Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California November 7, 1908<br />OVER THE CUPS OF THE KEENEY TEA.<br />"Miss Kathleen de Young's Persian lamb coat attracted a great deal of admiration at the Keeney tea. Mrs. Selby Hanna and Mrs. Rosa Plotner were among the most colorful and animated pictures there. ..."<br /><br />From: Oakland Tribune October 7, 1908<br />..." Mrs. Charles Plotner, who was formerly Miss Rosa Hooper, is one of the society girls of San Francisco who has developed her talent charmingly and is now a leading member of the artistic world of this city. Her miniature work has won her much fame and a number of beautiful women have been exquisitely portrayed by her." ...<br /><br />From Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California July 2, 1910<br />PLANS THAT ENDED IN DIVORCE<br />"The bit fire caused countless upsets in countless callings in San Francisco and the husband quickly discovered that there are few congenial vocations open to a retired army officer unacquainted with another profession. Husband and wife fondled the deceptive notion that with their experience in living in a hotel they could conduct one successfully. Mrs. Plotner was enthusiastic over an idea of her own to make the care and happiness of the children in a captivating playground the special feature of the new hotel. So the San Margo was leased with a large part of her funds. It proved an unfortunate venture. She returned to miniature painting and gave teas in her studio to which society dutifully responded. Later the domestic friction impelled her to go to Honolulu. She returned from there not long ago and began to lay plans to open up a studio in the city of New York. Of late she has been dividing her time between her stepmother's ranch at Mountain View and the office of her attorney in this city while preparing the divorce on the ground of failure to provide. There is one child a boy. After the hotel failure the husband tried his hand for brief seasons in the motor business and in the jewery line. He is now somewhere in the oil fields - The Wasp. "<br /><br />From Oakland Tribune, Oakland California May 8, 1921<br />"Rosa Hooper-Lyon, whose new studio at 1551 Emerson street, Palo Alto, has become a rendezvous for artists visiting at Standford, exhibited her miniatures yesterday at a studio tea, a portrait of Miss Mary Creed Howard, her newest bit of work. Several other portraits on ivory were presented, all characteristic of the artist who had made a distinctive place for herself before The Fire wiped out her studio."<br /><br />From Oakland Tribune, Oakland California October 1, 1922<br />"Rosa Hooper Lyon will exhibit the miniature portrait of Mrs. P. L. Seamans of Palo Alto today at the studio of the painter, 2348 Hyde street in San Francisco."<br /><br />A clipping from the Republican dated October 13, 1922 invites Fresnans to see an exhibition of California landscapes by Bertha Stringer Lee and portrait miniatures by Rose Hooper Lyon in the Hotel Fresno. It apparently was the first art show in Fresno open to the public.<br /><br />From Place Names of the High Sierra (1926) by Francis P. Farquhar - ROSE LAKE - named by R. B. Marshall, U. S. G. S., for Rosa Hooper, daughter of Major William Burchell Hooper, of San Francisco, and sister of Selden S. Hooper, an assistant of the U. S. G. S. Miss Hooper is now a miniature painter in New York.<br /><br />From Daily Herald Middletown Times Press, Middletown, New York August 6, 1927<br />MINIATURES TO FORM PART OF FAIR EXHIBIT<br />"A choice collection of valuable miniatures has just been announced by Miss Anna M. Walling, superintendent of the domestic department, as one of thenew exhibits at the Orange county fair, which open August 15.<br />These miniatures are the work of Rose Hooper, of San Francisco and New York, who has been spending part of the summer with Dr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Yocum at their home in Middletown.<br />Mrs. Hooper is a miniature portrait painter of note and many times a medalist. She won the golf medal at the Panama Pacific Exposition and also at the Lewis Clark Exposition at Seatle. She has studied extensively abroad and exhibited her work in all important exhibitions, both in this country and in Europe."<br /><br />SS BARBARA Sailing from San Juan Puerto Rico Dec 16 or 18, 1939, Arriving at Port of Philadelphia, PA Dec 21, 1939<br />Rosa Hooper, 53 years, 5 months, single, born San Francisco, Cal. July 19, 1886. Address in US: % Lt. S. G. Hooper, U.S.S. Boris, Norfolk, Va.<br /><br />Exhibition of Miniature Paintings by Rose Hooper at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C. April 18, 1940 to May 4, 1940.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCntX-8l4OLfEjjP9lDZLPC_zehqcmeor2iTcmcmPdGAaazXpcP4IsNfxa80GyHqcKS9DufHELfdAcmOjpT1lPgrH86WyA-vF-cAAVsoFejmIjE5j2V-NON7kzsqgiXzZm1KbFAVeT_vz/s1600/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCntX-8l4OLfEjjP9lDZLPC_zehqcmeor2iTcmcmPdGAaazXpcP4IsNfxa80GyHqcKS9DufHELfdAcmOjpT1lPgrH86WyA-vF-cAAVsoFejmIjE5j2V-NON7kzsqgiXzZm1KbFAVeT_vz/s320/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707227369134020338" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PyJXRSdkzHCHQe7Ppxz7JDyGOTGi55qHwztyUzzKOngIDVEXNPJhAZ2FcluqfmBAhyphenhyphen5qMtgujkGjIByMwU0rttyw_WOMeLz1dKJXCrq76Xe57tJlo2P00Qvky_GPbuAsxeHXpxTDuuc9/s1600/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0003.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PyJXRSdkzHCHQe7Ppxz7JDyGOTGi55qHwztyUzzKOngIDVEXNPJhAZ2FcluqfmBAhyphenhyphen5qMtgujkGjIByMwU0rttyw_WOMeLz1dKJXCrq76Xe57tJlo2P00Qvky_GPbuAsxeHXpxTDuuc9/s320/ds+1462+1463+hooper+pair.jpg_0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707227457356512162" border="0" /></a>As mentioned above, one of the artists she trained with was Otto Eckardt and there are a number of miniature portraits by him in this collection including an important Marmet family group of nine miniatures; <a ctorig="http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2006/05/eckardt-otto-portraits-of-_114861831065124234.html" cturl="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2006/05/eckardt-otto-portraits-of-_114861831065124234.html&sa=U&ei=nig0T4X-CszTmAXQsYnqAQ&ved=0CAQQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNFZxM6kdwewVOCov6AvUmZRXImhRA" dir="ltr" target="_self" href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2006/05/eckardt-otto-portraits-of-_114861831065124234.html&sa=U&ei=nig0T4X-CszTmAXQsYnqAQ&ved=0CAQQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNFZxM6kdwewVOCov6AvUmZRXImhRA" class="gs-title">20C - American Miniature Portraits: Eckardt, <b>Otto</b> - portraits of <b>...</b></a> other examples by him in the collection are <a ctorig="http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2007/07/eckardt-otto-portrait-of-jane.html" cturl="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2007/07/eckardt-otto-portrait-of-jane.html&sa=U&ei=nig0T4X-CszTmAXQsYnqAQ&ved=0CAYQFjAB&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGQod2jQ0wsGzDVnMy4YnJKgReRSw" dir="ltr" target="_self" href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2007/07/eckardt-otto-portrait-of-jane.html&sa=U&ei=nig0T4X-CszTmAXQsYnqAQ&ved=0CAYQFjAB&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGQod2jQ0wsGzDVnMy4YnJKgReRSw" class="gs-title">20C - American Miniature Portraits: Eckardt, <b>Otto</b> - portrait of Jane </a>and <a ctorig="http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2006/04/eckardt-otto-portrait-of-john-garth.html" cturl="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2006/04/eckardt-otto-portrait-of-john-garth.html&sa=U&ei=nig0T4X-CszTmAXQsYnqAQ&ved=0CAoQFjAD&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNE2rzFTM7YN-2wgOmh_Yt3QnVlb3g" dir="ltr" target="_self" href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http://american-miniatures20c.blogspot.com/2006/04/eckardt-otto-portrait-of-john-garth.html&sa=U&ei=nig0T4X-CszTmAXQsYnqAQ&ved=0CAoQFjAD&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNE2rzFTM7YN-2wgOmh_Yt3QnVlb3g" class="gs-title">20C - American Miniature Portraits: Eckardt, <b>Otto</b> - portrait of John</a> 1462, 1463Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-18416152041573343202012-02-06T21:58:00.001-08:002012-03-15T14:29:30.576-07:00Unknown - portrait of a boy holding a gun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MIhdX-Aois7QRt_XOG8dIICt4QjYJfUhIGq2dbHp1-0P88hqzp5wlmtTYKmPaMqzRU8QmkZ32vYHAoqVko5m83a08PCw7Mk_agpV-cO76f9Md1QuichyCTfnWH5jv5my4OYAnFJzVqoi/s1600/ds+1453+boy+with+gun.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MIhdX-Aois7QRt_XOG8dIICt4QjYJfUhIGq2dbHp1-0P88hqzp5wlmtTYKmPaMqzRU8QmkZ32vYHAoqVko5m83a08PCw7Mk_agpV-cO76f9Md1QuichyCTfnWH5jv5my4OYAnFJzVqoi/s320/ds+1453+boy+with+gun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706270022479805970" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaIP4SRxcd674dAMjZn_o5ZhWXM62XLNkiiXhAZE8Fj_ynsBD0LaqUyKFAX-7Y9p4YQUBKefLSbD0QbnS8G_Npj5CzFmz99h8BF32Zck55olxkdutzALadiQVt3oNNIYK653PAegT9aAk/s1600/ds+1453+boy+close.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 336px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaIP4SRxcd674dAMjZn_o5ZhWXM62XLNkiiXhAZE8Fj_ynsBD0LaqUyKFAX-7Y9p4YQUBKefLSbD0QbnS8G_Npj5CzFmz99h8BF32Zck55olxkdutzALadiQVt3oNNIYK653PAegT9aAk/s320/ds+1453+boy+close.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706270024586020914" border="0" /></a>Although it is highly appealing, I am uncertain about the artist who painted this miniature portrait. It is certainly American and highly unusual to show a boy holding a toy gun. Normally, boys were depicted with a hoop, whip, top, or toy horse, whereas girls were depicted with flowers or a doll.<br /><br />The miniature is housed in a red leather case and the ivory is 112mm x 84mm. Boys wore clothing like this for a number of years from about 1790, but I believe it is later than that, probably about 1820 and from the North East United States.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3RLT2D36hmWcks_R2X3GRMwgD1joJamzUEhpclrsa5_Ye8qOhphMlgi7U_MsIAtRwPNmzF0GLLBzo7NV0RXerorz4NwhPq90ZVnA1-lohpA9vLEdTVgnNrSljKn1mClso2tZq2WCXvGc/s1600/ds+1440_0001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3RLT2D36hmWcks_R2X3GRMwgD1joJamzUEhpclrsa5_Ye8qOhphMlgi7U_MsIAtRwPNmzF0GLLBzo7NV0RXerorz4NwhPq90ZVnA1-lohpA9vLEdTVgnNrSljKn1mClso2tZq2WCXvGc/s320/ds+1440_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650092535910678098" border="0" /></a>It is possibly by Anson Dickinson. I say that as the cases of some of his early works show a print of a child on the silk lining. However, that is far from certain and it is hoped a collector of American miniature portraits can suggest the artist.<br /><br />I do not think it is by Nathaniel Rogers as differences of style can be seen by comparison with this miniature of three children painted by Rogers c1820, where the boy has a similar collar, for more about that see <a target="_blank" class="link" href="http://aminports3.blogspot.com/2011/09/rogers-nathaniel-three-children.html">View</a><br /><br />In fact although Rogers was very clever in painting heads, his figures are somewhat awkward in comparison, with the pose of the central child here strained, compared to the natural pose of the boy holding a gun.<br /><br />As always, it is frustrating not to know the name of the sitter and unfortunately there are no clues here. 1453Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-78902019302383734942012-02-02T23:43:00.000-08:002012-11-15T11:11:55.381-08:00Mundy, Ethel Frances - portrait of Dorothy Kane<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUnDFvWNNgE7ENfIEbxwoHRhe8UTavZwASJpkVE2ubMJWAu8aZfBKdoliFaNCJnqfu2VOAiGE98G5GEoxi4-J6Ard4tY3TNWom79iSxvVGCTgMA6OBU8wKoUX9I_nU7kXln-qIBIAcmoG/s1600/ds+1457+Dorothy+Kane_0001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704812628011363442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUnDFvWNNgE7ENfIEbxwoHRhe8UTavZwASJpkVE2ubMJWAu8aZfBKdoliFaNCJnqfu2VOAiGE98G5GEoxi4-J6Ard4tY3TNWom79iSxvVGCTgMA6OBU8wKoUX9I_nU7kXln-qIBIAcmoG/s320/ds+1457+Dorothy+Kane_0001.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 487px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 477px;" /></a>This wax miniature portrait by Ethel Frances Mundy is the largest one I have seen.<br />
<br />
It is 200mm (8ins) in diameter. Although the miniature needs a little restoration and the original frame is missing, it is a rare artwork from the early 20C.<br />
<br />
Part of the damage can be seen in her hairpiece, which has been flattened by the close proximity and rigidity of a replacement flat glass. That has now been replaced by a perspex cover. The portrait is a little out of focus here, but for a wax portrait to be in such good condition after 100 years and still retain its colors is welcome.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HGJ7ebhqot4INNBsOgZi2t_9Q1Y0cz-6_U-VWz41ncIGfoKOAVtc5WNenhMXJa6OanGgdULsE0B1DNj37FNDCSHrQ6BCwQ-XAu8XVFzOBgrvCJBoGRX79PZKUqgBES3KTtZ3SaMyJN8I/s1600/dk1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708415880335075586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HGJ7ebhqot4INNBsOgZi2t_9Q1Y0cz-6_U-VWz41ncIGfoKOAVtc5WNenhMXJa6OanGgdULsE0B1DNj37FNDCSHrQ6BCwQ-XAu8XVFzOBgrvCJBoGRX79PZKUqgBES3KTtZ3SaMyJN8I/s320/dk1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 267px;" /></a>The portrait is inscribed "Dorothy Kane - Anno Domini MCMXIII" (1913) and signed "Ethel Mundy".<br />
<br />
It is surprising that so few Art Museums in USA hold portraits by Ethel Mundy. It may be as the wealthy families still possess her miniatures. Mundy was commissioned by many famous families to make portraits in wax. This one is connected to the Astor family and a second one acquired at the same time is connected to the Wanamaker family.<br />
<br />
The sitter is Helen Dorothea Kane (2 Aug 1886-1938) who was born in Bar Harbor, Maine and married Seymour Johnson on 17 Feb 1916.<br />
<br />
The Astor connection was highlighted in this engagement announcement of 28 November 1915. As an example of the family wealth, in the 1910 census Dorothy and her family lived with seven servants.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYY0AyvHQ9qFspPwvY8kDwunC2bDvGyZVrDyP0oD9kydnyW90opwQVeYEXCwm81zOeilgEQbFgKMyVhdSM6xGKM04q3vW1Q5ArPniVuMyCYZM7taYyVxk3ZGttwbu861dv4lnHPHwyiFBJ/s1600/dk2.tif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708422464563083810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYY0AyvHQ9qFspPwvY8kDwunC2bDvGyZVrDyP0oD9kydnyW90opwQVeYEXCwm81zOeilgEQbFgKMyVhdSM6xGKM04q3vW1Q5ArPniVuMyCYZM7taYyVxk3ZGttwbu861dv4lnHPHwyiFBJ/s320/dk2.tif" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 130px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 123px;" /></a>When she applied for her passport in 1922, she advised it was to enable her to visit; British Isles, France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Gibralter, Algeria, Tangier, Egypt, Constantinople, Thesius, Suez, Syria, and Czechoslovakia. Also Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Honduras, Brazil, and Colombia. Despite the family wealth, her passport photo was not flattering!<br />
<br />
Dorothy was the younger daughter of Walter Langdon Kane (1843-1896) and Mary Rotch Hunter who was the great-great-granddaughter of Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwU-pFvKOLGpSEytHHt8eD4STXjRx1Tsj2kJCBOx21kRca4ruhhIezhKgO-MustrA2Vxq8LA7GOojKpweNT1_n4UYXMktUmRZtxbm2xZC26wFwpSyGiGMD2o1Qjd5UxJ4zkFKzHVsU87m/s1600/ds+1457+Dorothy+Kane_0005.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704812629514591650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwU-pFvKOLGpSEytHHt8eD4STXjRx1Tsj2kJCBOx21kRca4ruhhIezhKgO-MustrA2Vxq8LA7GOojKpweNT1_n4UYXMktUmRZtxbm2xZC26wFwpSyGiGMD2o1Qjd5UxJ4zkFKzHVsU87m/s320/ds+1457+Dorothy+Kane_0005.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 114px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrySux_UIcf71bjjW3dp3FmA_RldzNCYyMeOmnXMImisda5wceVFp-Z1G0voZtsnT73jFl1Xn-9N8IFEwjf7-6Qab4cPN7SzgPZ7WloxMbA8qLM5DWLR4Q2FiPfoN6uwCJ950CGwt_dP6c/s1600/ds+1457+Dorothy+Kane_0002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704812632519438866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrySux_UIcf71bjjW3dp3FmA_RldzNCYyMeOmnXMImisda5wceVFp-Z1G0voZtsnT73jFl1Xn-9N8IFEwjf7-6Qab4cPN7SzgPZ7WloxMbA8qLM5DWLR4Q2FiPfoN6uwCJ950CGwt_dP6c/s320/ds+1457+Dorothy+Kane_0002.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 282px;" /></a>As a small indication of the vast family wealth, Dorothy inherited $29,366 on the death of her uncle John Innes Kane in 1913, which may have prompted her to have this wax miniature sculpted.<br />
<br />
She is mentioned quite often in the society pages of the times, including as a tennis partner to her future husband.<br />
<br />
Dorothy and her elder sister, Caroline Hunter Kane (1880-?) were, via their father, descended from John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) He was Dorothy's great-great-grandfather, with her name Dorothea being in memory of her great-grandmother Dorothea Astor (1795-1874) who married Walter Langdon in 1812.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7klZ5LkEWyPTcrvXBrwT-wNxJIL7Vatnwuhe0SZy04vBrEf2KzG6jfEPOS5bXcveV-LxaloRM6tUt1pIIBAyyEGrKSz91TC7zdCb1h6MbmxWFdis22h6p56Gv7SAirulP-pTEF9uPKtI/s1600/costumes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705069437024205058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7klZ5LkEWyPTcrvXBrwT-wNxJIL7Vatnwuhe0SZy04vBrEf2KzG6jfEPOS5bXcveV-LxaloRM6tUt1pIIBAyyEGrKSz91TC7zdCb1h6MbmxWFdis22h6p56Gv7SAirulP-pTEF9uPKtI/s320/costumes.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 156px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdMJQxelJR1vwfedQ2nizu8E4dmf_8IBn55nLjlGgNl4FfHIDNFlDyLpSQ0OnkyDJBoPsvhIxyN2C58sBhwovyTzRJabxQg7x7z_cyV8JD6O2M9CZ6l5z0hrSEJGwQSKRA1q0TopOxq_/s1600/costumes1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705069444347092994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqdMJQxelJR1vwfedQ2nizu8E4dmf_8IBn55nLjlGgNl4FfHIDNFlDyLpSQ0OnkyDJBoPsvhIxyN2C58sBhwovyTzRJabxQg7x7z_cyV8JD6O2M9CZ6l5z0hrSEJGwQSKRA1q0TopOxq_/s320/costumes1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 134px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV0cKhiXR4SGHe98uxkVwqwmfETAkY4Wltz7n3VW32KnwJyKhhzahKLZ1OI3gFWDPRYORaFXoWSQIqTmPdnafyjCOAjKVaC6KJ7FxtpO-yy_P_qvO14ArvF3ITbfox7uHUHAWFM7JoW61/s1600/kanewill.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705064380461667362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNV0cKhiXR4SGHe98uxkVwqwmfETAkY4Wltz7n3VW32KnwJyKhhzahKLZ1OI3gFWDPRYORaFXoWSQIqTmPdnafyjCOAjKVaC6KJ7FxtpO-yy_P_qvO14ArvF3ITbfox7uHUHAWFM7JoW61/s320/kanewill.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
The dress worn by Dorothy can be compared with these two fashionable outfits depicted in the New York Times of October 13, 1914.<br />
<br />
Although the image here is not very clear, the wax miniature featured in this magazine article about Ethel Frances Mundy. The article contains a misprint as the sitter is described as "Dorothy Kean" instead of Dorothy Kane.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpupnzp8TEDNRcTRESigloKzTC3XaMWN7K1McaedekWhiNgZ2v5g2pn5H-mZWzGUvy2K52gCB7y6k5vs0x9evHTZDxoG7ndVOyFGe4jBgAEZM9LMCoBwHenyPpNOvLAjlrU4YrnvNXJhY/s1600/ds+1457+d+kane+page.tif_0002.tif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705042341236719330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpupnzp8TEDNRcTRESigloKzTC3XaMWN7K1McaedekWhiNgZ2v5g2pn5H-mZWzGUvy2K52gCB7y6k5vs0x9evHTZDxoG7ndVOyFGe4jBgAEZM9LMCoBwHenyPpNOvLAjlrU4YrnvNXJhY/s320/ds+1457+d+kane+page.tif_0002.tif" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 243px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LI1kN0JEBwo7ydM6-0dHm6YbfWzlhcC_Vq8KEeqTRTwLC95lSDXGFdgqZ3By4_3F_Qg3zDWqdqmQl-6h333L0qLAcrY-xLveGIYiBWUXe4c1HZfBAqFvyof9si5Y03AhKgBI9fnPT-Q3/s1600/ds+1457+d+kane+page.tif_0001.tif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705042339602715090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LI1kN0JEBwo7ydM6-0dHm6YbfWzlhcC_Vq8KEeqTRTwLC95lSDXGFdgqZ3By4_3F_Qg3zDWqdqmQl-6h333L0qLAcrY-xLveGIYiBWUXe4c1HZfBAqFvyof9si5Y03AhKgBI9fnPT-Q3/s320/ds+1457+d+kane+page.tif_0001.tif" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 244px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbALGgFQFnL5K3kSZxktP_JBC3yXgoI_10gCQb8ITczCdUdyyhOPHnXRoa7fyBFB9NJs6DAMHSkOhcPCzRKcTTzAAtw2BvTy9v851ONvicD8xz_Eaf3iMrmw4C5h8A3a-cfuHWVVaIIDsY/s1600/mundy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493962204299054306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbALGgFQFnL5K3kSZxktP_JBC3yXgoI_10gCQb8ITczCdUdyyhOPHnXRoa7fyBFB9NJs6DAMHSkOhcPCzRKcTTzAAtw2BvTy9v851ONvicD8xz_Eaf3iMrmw4C5h8A3a-cfuHWVVaIIDsY/s320/mundy.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 257px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5yuO-9p8A7XNd3kjJPdTZocttJ7xFPcx-eyeTXyaPe1MUAyNImp7ocTwOpHvYACfbTrXNLf85Fsuk4U2lVNAQ_ea6-sLB62zycXUI52XZxP9cnwKSzliIw-efWmFc-f1MoamG7M8cTLh/s1600/books_007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493882006308784274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5yuO-9p8A7XNd3kjJPdTZocttJ7xFPcx-eyeTXyaPe1MUAyNImp7ocTwOpHvYACfbTrXNLf85Fsuk4U2lVNAQ_ea6-sLB62zycXUI52XZxP9cnwKSzliIw-efWmFc-f1MoamG7M8cTLh/s320/books_007.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 274px;" /></a><br />
<br />
Other portraits by Ethel Frances Mundy (who is depicted here) which are in this collection, together with more about her career and work, can be seen at <a class="link" href="http://aminports3.blogspot.com/2012/02/mundy-ethel-frances-portrait-of.html" target="_blank">View</a> and at <a class="link" href="http://aminports3.blogspot.com/2010/07/mundy-ethel-frances-portrait-of.html" target="_blank">View</a> 1457<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb2CoVZp3UgNhudTO-GvsUV6TJ3r3zzBLv8EM3fWpcfakAFbeeFq4xTSo0jxIvqxyB4NAQQQdMWOzsP-eoTRiXc7Oe_zbm8WwH45Fx-AbilOSWPQlgj0erVbas01UAiUcdthivY3Mmiwl/s1600/Amy+in+wax+1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb2CoVZp3UgNhudTO-GvsUV6TJ3r3zzBLv8EM3fWpcfakAFbeeFq4xTSo0jxIvqxyB4NAQQQdMWOzsP-eoTRiXc7Oe_zbm8WwH45Fx-AbilOSWPQlgj0erVbas01UAiUcdthivY3Mmiwl/s640/Amy+in+wax+1949.jpg" width="262" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
November 2012 - A kind visitor has sent me another clipping about Ethel Frances Mundy. It is from the Sunday Post of December 4, 1949, and is a little damaged but still very interesting in adding to our knowledge about Ethel and so I have added it here.<br />
<br />
The visitor advised as follows;<br />
<em>I saw your blogs about Ethel Frances Mundy, and thought you might like to
see another example of her work, done in the late 1940's (I presume).
It was part of a show in a Bo<strong>s</strong>ton gallery in the fall of 1949. I happen
to know about it because of my interest in the woman portrayed, although
my interest dates to a period 45-50 years earlier, when Amy designed
book covers for (mostly) Boston publishers. Her work, again if you are
interested, can be seen at </em><strong><i><a href="http://www.amysacker.net/">www.amysacker.net</a> </i> </strong>Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-83324943471286620482012-02-02T12:44:00.000-08:002012-02-02T22:04:54.618-08:00Mundy, Ethel Frances - portrait of Archibald Graham Thompson Jr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOG44MCRJ80Hq90f7hnC9q3rUXg_zylsCxyE7V2w9gtzsUfkoHL72CujMs6-pMKtaMWk_q6bej1X30R_0ss3FRxTqZbmc5ENWq8ihOkbdIHrtWePEFHGrOXzldIklyvghu4NCqE9pGN-m/s1600/ds+1456+Mundy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOG44MCRJ80Hq90f7hnC9q3rUXg_zylsCxyE7V2w9gtzsUfkoHL72CujMs6-pMKtaMWk_q6bej1X30R_0ss3FRxTqZbmc5ENWq8ihOkbdIHrtWePEFHGrOXzldIklyvghu4NCqE9pGN-m/s320/ds+1456+Mundy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704642664356106018" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSLMTmYgmMoxgBsDixSzombweG1-qaCnSxAQda2H_-Nsk5b6M8rSRGs6HyBnnDE6G9lK5pJGxqhVHtUoC6G9mudUeETXUpjy3s481KxLbBceI9GjV-NWaW8vfNcWvPIvVL_CFdcePsp5C/s1600/wan3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSLMTmYgmMoxgBsDixSzombweG1-qaCnSxAQda2H_-Nsk5b6M8rSRGs6HyBnnDE6G9lK5pJGxqhVHtUoC6G9mudUeETXUpjy3s481KxLbBceI9GjV-NWaW8vfNcWvPIvVL_CFdcePsp5C/s320/wan3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704691297064294146" border="0" /></a>There are other miniature wax portraits by Ethel Frances Mundy in this collection, see<a href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ethel%20frances%20mundy%20morris&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Faminports3.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmundy-ethel-frances-portrait-of.html&ei=8_YqT9zmBe_vmAWT7KDKDw&usg=AFQjCNHZlPthpvP2Z116ytgfcUWD5i3KVA&sig2=yP5so-RxmBV4R3DyZc_q9g&cad=rja" class="l"> 3 American Miniature Portraits: <em>Mundy</em>, <em>Ethel Frances</em> - portrait of <b>...</b></a> for examples, where there is also information about the artist.<br /><br />This one is 140mm (six inches) in diameter. It is inscribed "A Portrait of Archibald Graham Thomson Junior - MCMXV" that is 1915, and at the bottom "Ethel Mundy fecit. While the child is wearing a dress and has bobbed hair, it is still a boy, as it was common to dress boys in this manner until they were aged two or three years old. The wax miniature corresponds with the photo of his mother with a child, which may be AGT or his half brother.<br /><br />Archibald Graham Thomson Junior was born 9 Sep 1912 at Philadelphia and died on 22 Oct 2003. He was the son of Archibald G Thomson Sr (13 Sep 1869-21 Oct 1917) and Mary Lowber Welsh (8 Oct 1868?-3 Feb 1929, who were married on 29 September 1909. AGT senior was a physician in general practice and also a cricketer in the 1890's, see http://stats.thecricketer.com/Players/27/27362/27362.html AGT Sr and his father William published papers in on color blindness and other eye treatments which are described at<br /><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322325/pdf/taos00146-0113.pdf">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322325/pdf/taos00146-0113.pdf</a> and at <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322480/pdf/taos00147-0206.pdf">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322480/pdf/taos00147-0206.pdf</a> and at <a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322450/pdf/taos00144-0235.pdf">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322450/pdf/taos00144-0235.pdf</a> and at<br /><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://ukpmc.ac.uk/articles/PMC1322329/reload=0;jsessionid=WR9HW7fbadnbbPuzaclz.10">http://ukpmc.ac.uk/articles/PMC1322329/reload=0;jsessionid=WR9HW7fbadnbbPuzaclz.10</a><br /><br />The obituary of AGT Sr recorded; Archibald G. Thomson, M.D., Philadelphia ; University of<br />Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1892; aged 48; formerly a Fellow of the American Medical Association ; a member of the American Laryngological Association ; well known as an ophthalmologist; a member of the staff of University, Wills, and the Orthopedic Hospital ; died in the private hospital of Dr. Francis X. Dercum, Philadelphia, October 22, from heart disease.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC4Wp9Z5vS65YuTgWXHVf46pPtSNETg4hl0ag8INt4Ollzt_UFreCqu_fwzCmyYv-Egfl6-l87VQ5y-S-KcWbwOyDYKxpJmAhVhMbA_AXFiwJZxGTzTc4jayFbBhuGJcrouwfvnly04AS/s1600/wan1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 498px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghC4Wp9Z5vS65YuTgWXHVf46pPtSNETg4hl0ag8INt4Ollzt_UFreCqu_fwzCmyYv-Egfl6-l87VQ5y-S-KcWbwOyDYKxpJmAhVhMbA_AXFiwJZxGTzTc4jayFbBhuGJcrouwfvnly04AS/s320/wan1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704679997815495138" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Gpq-uzBkOYoFnFE9t16O-X77ZHaFoSz2UgNRft8oa9Mu4otjSVynv3-J1U-aIxD7K6_Za_sezbM6aLBAJIpeuuI-fatn66fpzUtH4m8o2cLY7A8DwZ99dBzUXHLMNgrohTUQzyzPamjL/s1600/wan2.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Gpq-uzBkOYoFnFE9t16O-X77ZHaFoSz2UgNRft8oa9Mu4otjSVynv3-J1U-aIxD7K6_Za_sezbM6aLBAJIpeuuI-fatn66fpzUtH4m8o2cLY7A8DwZ99dBzUXHLMNgrohTUQzyzPamjL/s320/wan2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704679995880559314" border="0" /></a>The marriage of Mary to AGT was her second marriage, the first being to Thomas Brown Wanamaker who died in Paris (1862-1908) on 27 Apr 1887, son of<a href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=mary%20lowber%20welsh%20%20&source=web&cd=10&ved=0CGQQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FJohn_Wanamaker&ei=JwkrT46lKeuNmQXD0IjVDw&usg=AFQjCNFQ8JrdEwZe7ysn00fc7JG04JV-eA&sig2=iiaabJkaDOm-BqWAe9Daug&cad=rja" class="l"> John Wanamaker - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</a> Her first wedding was a huge event in Philadelphia with 12 ushers and 12 bridesmaids.<br /><br />Mary's two previous Wanamaker children were living with the Thomson family in 1910, after her second marriage to AGT. The family was wealthy as the 1910 census records a butler, a governess, a nurse, three servants and a laborer living in their house in Chestnut Avenue.If her birth year is correct, Mary would have been aged 44 when AGT Jr was born in 1912. Her second marriage was a major contrast with very few guests.<br /><br />By the 1930 census AGT Jr was living with his half-brother Thomas B Wanamaker and eight servants in Radnor, Delaware. With TBW, then aged 25, declaring an annual income of $140,000 and describing himself as a merchant. AGT Jr was 17 and gave no occupation. By then both his parents had died. His half-brother, Thomas B. Wanamaker Jr. died on Feb. 23, 1991 as reported in the Princeton Alumni Weekly.<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Tom came to Princeton from Ardmore, Penn. and Haverford school, and left the campus in June 1924. He led a roving life: on the Main Line outside of Philadelphia; in Pasadena, Calif.; in Hawaii; Darien, Conn.; a retirement community in Florida; and finally in Ridgefield, Conn. George Denniston describes Tom as quiet and reserved and his half-brother Archibald G. Thomson agrees. He had a deep interest in the theater and in music. A contrasting devotion was to outdoor life, and he enjoyed running his Deep Well Ranch in Palm Springs, Calif., and raising Irish wolf hounds in Pasadena. He was intensely interested in tennis, and attended the big tournaments near his residence in Florida. Always ready for adventure, Tom took WWII in stride, enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and made himself useful as a storekeeper in the South Pacific area, which, as other 1927ers know well, was anything but pacific. He was released from the service Jan. 26, 1946 with the rating of Sk 2/c. Tom, obviously a modest fellow, reported briefly for the Class TWENTY YEAR RECORD, but not for our later biographical volumes. One suspects that the reticence veils what must have been one of 1927's most adventurous and colorful lives. The Class renders thanks for information given by Tom's sister-in-law (Mrs. Rodman Wanamaker) and by his half-brother, Archibald G. Thomson.</span><br /><br />The brothers made this gift to the Philadelphia Museum; <a name="jumptoContent"></a> <form method="post" action="/collections/permanent/47672.html"> </form> <div style="margin-top:-30px; padding-bottom:10px; float:right; height:10px; "> </div> <div class="recordImg" style="float:left; padding-top:10px; padding-right:20px;"><div style="width:200px; text-align:center"><img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/cad/large/1942-33-12back.jpg" name="pic" border="0" /></div><img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/spacer.gif" height="2" width="1" /><br /> <img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/spacer.gif" height="1" width="1" /> <br /> <img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/interface/slideshow_divider_lt.gif" /> <img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/interface/slideshow_divider_rt.gif" /> <img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/spacer.gif" height="1" width="1" /> <img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/interface/roundFrame/roundFrame_BL.gif" /> <img src="http://www.philamuseum.org/images/spacer.gif" height="1" width="1" /> </div> <p>Costume and Textiles</p><p><i><strong>Chasuble</strong></i></p>Made in Italy<br /><p>Mid- 18th century</p><p>Artist/maker unknown, Italian</p><p>Silk satin weave embroidered with silk, silver, and gilt thread in couched filling, split, outline, satin, long and short, padded satin, and couching stitches and French knots<br />Length x Width: 49 1/4 x 29 inches (125.1 x 73.7 cm)</p><p><i>Currently not on view</i></p><p>1942-33-12</p>Gift of Thomas B. Wanamaker, Jr. and Archibald G. Thomson from the Thomas B. Wanamaker Collection, 1942<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkV7dJdtJjv-2XUgSEBeYbVdwVNfuZO_9v5rvnxcLITkYJlkm1g8YPKNK0tMHBhAQsRQLOpJ1jS5wzok5qxzxgxgtgk3Ts9yUb0WWabG3BDZKxGaTdcGGCTnKAavV6s8vByB829OEBusC/s1600/wan4.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkV7dJdtJjv-2XUgSEBeYbVdwVNfuZO_9v5rvnxcLITkYJlkm1g8YPKNK0tMHBhAQsRQLOpJ1jS5wzok5qxzxgxgtgk3Ts9yUb0WWabG3BDZKxGaTdcGGCTnKAavV6s8vByB829OEBusC/s320/wan4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704701149734725826" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfNIIPofqBCMs1Qj4kc7SGvYSk7kMl9x8kUhi_z6SmCJE3yPFeofbN0V3LCXbc98ITOmeAu0pI7MHV3pLaCrj5swdqnbB7gbCKjKaC0ZmetBlXvynhsKif8Ah5FtNxWjE26CqcpCMgJu_/s1600/wan5.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfNIIPofqBCMs1Qj4kc7SGvYSk7kMl9x8kUhi_z6SmCJE3yPFeofbN0V3LCXbc98ITOmeAu0pI7MHV3pLaCrj5swdqnbB7gbCKjKaC0ZmetBlXvynhsKif8Ah5FtNxWjE26CqcpCMgJu_/s320/wan5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704700745679248466" border="0" /></a>They also presented to the Museum this dress. The fabric is a white silk taffeta, hand-painted with a flower, leaf, and trailing-vine pattern.1 Based on the width of the fabric, aspects of the painted design, and evidence of the painting techniques employed, we know that the fabric was woven and painted in China. The cut of the dress is typical of a later-eighteenth-century robe à la française: It has a fitted bodice with rounded neckline and short sleeves, a pleated back (not shown), and a wide skirt with an exposed underskirt. (In this image, the underskirt is not original.) The skirt opening is embellished on both sides with a length of the same fabric, box-pleated horizontally; the width of this decoration increases from the waist to the hem. The neckline is also trimmed with narrow (but vertically oriented) box pleats. These fabric insets are then trimmed with a gold-colored silk fringe, here most easily visible at the neckline.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg46S_aqgFWW4LPBDvNTKx-wHnl8Sc2lbMuFcC9fCOQm5tP2t04zOXQq_NqFcTjrvO8Q1w5rjPPy6kj22C1y0sDE5jI_amNaI-BQcOP767wWoFJ9rbes6M8lJGFopUcQLRmo_01guRmp2u/s1600/wan6.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 85px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg46S_aqgFWW4LPBDvNTKx-wHnl8Sc2lbMuFcC9fCOQm5tP2t04zOXQq_NqFcTjrvO8Q1w5rjPPy6kj22C1y0sDE5jI_amNaI-BQcOP767wWoFJ9rbes6M8lJGFopUcQLRmo_01guRmp2u/s400/wan6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704704487576979426" border="0" /></a>On AGT Jr's death Sotheby's auctioned a diamond brooch. The cartouche of foliate scrolls anchored by a festoon and pairs of fringes, set with 4 old European-cut and 4 pear-shaped diamonds and with 220 smaller old European-cut diamonds, altogether weighing a total of approximately 16.50 carats, mounted in platinum. Provenance: PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF ARCHIBALD G. THOMSON, WAYNE, PENNYSYLVANIA.<br /><br />AGT Jr appears to have married Mary Hayes Fletcher (daughter of Charles Fletcher and Annie Hamilton Watson). She married (1) Tristram Coffin Colket (which name seems to have been carried through several generations). She married (2) Archibald Graham Thomson,Sr. and had two sons, one also called AGT Jr (III) who died on 7 Nov 2009 aged 71, and a second named Charles Fletcher Thomson. This Mary is likely the one quoted in Sports Illustrated on February 11, 1957 answering the Question: If You Saw Someone Violating The Fish And Game Laws Would You Report Him To A Game Warden?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">MRS. ARCHIBALD G. THOMSON<br />Bryn Mawr, Pa.<br />Housewife<br />I'm tempted to say I would. But would I? I love to shoot, have gone railbird shooting and have shot pheasant and quail. I also shot grouse from Invercauld Castle in Scotland. I know how people can be tempted. I'd never violate the hunting laws, but I couldn't report others.<br /></span><br />AGT III worked most of his career in residential real estate finishing at Prudential Roche in the Rosemont. He specialized in selling very large private houses on the Main Line. At college he was an All-New-England small college soccer player and played goalie. He had lived in the Main Line all his life. Mr. Thomson served in the National Guard and in the First Philadelphia City Troop unit. He had been a member of the Merion Cricket Club and of the Racquet Club in Phila. Always interested in hunting, he liked pheasant and grouse hunting and had also quail hunted several times at plantations in Georgia and once had driven grouse in Scotland with his father. In his later years, AGT III volunteered at local retirement homes often reading to seniors with limited sight. He liked cars and had owned many different sports cars. Always fond of dogs, he owned a series of West Highland Terriers. 1456Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-89378164230339005662012-01-19T16:28:00.000-08:002012-01-19T16:50:57.235-08:00Unknown - portraits of a mother and daughter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKJxuRoocoBge621p745PvnG9gtR_lYi5tYKz6qPMPIzGHmmm1-MIpXHas6Prc-_3y13nP0N9h2cbE5pzQFnqtwLnoPst64YA-Oz4WEzmC4g025EDBzxILmEsBRq53lmEeCxZBZUagdb5/s1600/ds+1450+pair.jpg_0001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKJxuRoocoBge621p745PvnG9gtR_lYi5tYKz6qPMPIzGHmmm1-MIpXHas6Prc-_3y13nP0N9h2cbE5pzQFnqtwLnoPst64YA-Oz4WEzmC4g025EDBzxILmEsBRq53lmEeCxZBZUagdb5/s320/ds+1450+pair.jpg_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699505501138664434" border="0" /></a>I find this pair of American miniature portraits fascinating! The ladies do not fall into the category of "pretty young ladies", but their relationship is a puzzle. Are they both the same person painted twice, or are they sisters, twins, or mother and daughter?<br /><br />My pick is mother and daughter. The reasons for saying that are that they are both wearing the same style of clothing and their poses are identical. So were painted by the same artist at the same time, although their leather cases are a little different.<br /><br />I think the lady in the orange dress is the mother and the lady in the blue dress is her daughter. Although they are wearing very similar gold brooches, their rings are different. The orange lady is sitting on a chair as a sign of age, but the blue lady appears to be standing, or sitting on a backless chair.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSpEF4kixhM6bHbu46Rnl4zI359b8J4KRjToKvIftFKyTegj0U4jMj5zqmzrtiVBrOqwlbNtFihP_9eklrbpkJEMeKoyTKkNNZJrUb9MAcZ6ZnakbQAlwRvn8tbnYpRrvFTw3WoluVnD8/s1600/ds+1450+pair.jpg_0002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSpEF4kixhM6bHbu46Rnl4zI359b8J4KRjToKvIftFKyTegj0U4jMj5zqmzrtiVBrOqwlbNtFihP_9eklrbpkJEMeKoyTKkNNZJrUb9MAcZ6ZnakbQAlwRvn8tbnYpRrvFTw3WoluVnD8/s320/ds+1450+pair.jpg_0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699505507797786018" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPo6fqipeCEB8cRoB6d3PBgS8nJDK9e6e0DmCQ0IUeTL45nVqOnUEf_1Qz_6-GvP7qk0sdXC0TiG14ROg04rkSuBsjg4RX64HynqTv-5D0BqZqGNFDGNm_DQ2XxQB1L0B8udpDPBYr54B/s1600/ds+1450+pair.jpg_0003.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPo6fqipeCEB8cRoB6d3PBgS8nJDK9e6e0DmCQ0IUeTL45nVqOnUEf_1Qz_6-GvP7qk0sdXC0TiG14ROg04rkSuBsjg4RX64HynqTv-5D0BqZqGNFDGNm_DQ2XxQB1L0B8udpDPBYr54B/s320/ds+1450+pair.jpg_0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699505519432070402" border="0" /></a>Their identities are unknown, as is the artist. I feel it ought to be possible to pick the artist, but I have not been able to do so, and would welcome any visitor opinions as to who painted them.<br /><br />The artist is not one of the top artists of the day, but they did have a degree of skill, perhaps self taught, and it is unusual for such strong colors to be used. The lacework is also very well painted. I think the style is similar to the work of Alvan Clark, but not quite up to his quality. 1450, 1451Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-89429588177962062572012-01-19T15:17:00.000-08:002012-01-19T16:12:32.966-08:00Dodge, John Wood - portrait of a man<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrMQI1ivpyvTBlIOVTHOGQ8AAeacY7xxGHmjHnr-H_8AGeyzO3N0Zjzls23KZIemutOwiws922wA4_blfS57qHw6oempxOE3UsdHiU-XP_3US4KBaii-a4qPTPNSnHLQxA3u0sC_-GDV9/s1600/ds+1452+JWDodge+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrMQI1ivpyvTBlIOVTHOGQ8AAeacY7xxGHmjHnr-H_8AGeyzO3N0Zjzls23KZIemutOwiws922wA4_blfS57qHw6oempxOE3UsdHiU-XP_3US4KBaii-a4qPTPNSnHLQxA3u0sC_-GDV9/s320/ds+1452+JWDodge+%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699487426734252786" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReWQUxyXEL8XEUEjJErcs41YIlKUfKT7z1ChtiXVjVfrWT0bLRc9FedvUSEaNg-Mux_mW9CRhf5gSamYGnaOyUI3HBXaR1lNN1W9-OhbHwNtv3bduElqu8vY6OfpVxJFUfHcvAQBlPmAj/s1600/ds+1452+JWDodge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReWQUxyXEL8XEUEjJErcs41YIlKUfKT7z1ChtiXVjVfrWT0bLRc9FedvUSEaNg-Mux_mW9CRhf5gSamYGnaOyUI3HBXaR1lNN1W9-OhbHwNtv3bduElqu8vY6OfpVxJFUfHcvAQBlPmAj/s320/ds+1452+JWDodge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699487429319067218" border="0" /></a>This American miniature portrait is an example of a mistaken purchase that was compensated by a changed attribution! It was offered as Buy It Now and described (after correcting the spelling and grammatical errors!) as;<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hand-painted in 1820-1850 portrait on ivory, with sterling silver frame. Subject is very cute young man. Magnificent quality, painting is not signed. Glass on the top is not original, frame is original by the size. Picture frame is sterling silver, not marked, 100% sterling silver guaranteed. Condition: painting is good condition, no cracks, no scratches, but a very small chip on the ivory, on the left side,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">very minor. Picture frame is very good condition, no restoration, no repairs.</span><br /><br />The description was mostly accurate, except that the frame was obviously not original. The quality is clear, with a first instinct to attribute it to Nathaniel Rogers (1787-1844) who painted works of this quality but rarely signed his paintings. However, there was a niggle that perhaps it was not by him. The process of attribution being complicated by the distraction of the peculiar frame, which is at least 100 years more recent.<br /><br />On arrival it was possible to take a closer look and revise the opinion to attribute it instead to John Wood Dodge (1807-1893) another prolific artist, with his account book listing over 1100 miniatures. He commenced his life in New York, but in 1841 moved to Nashville and cultivated fruit orchards, while still moving about a wider area to paint miniatures. Dodge almost invariably signed the reverse of his miniatures, usually also identifying the sitter. That was not the case here. It appearing that the original frame had been reused for something else and the backing paper removed at the same time. The nibble on the left hand side was likely original to the miniature and covered by the original frame.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCt0mBnELgbRCvmRcPPJwjEARXjDip-ARKx4M_RyCvSedf53CITMcAv6oyYxoWIqW6oy96zF7ZpkAQGFg_3WGXNd4OBBFmzefJyZd2snj9LUGnwYOU3t3D8W3uAK8H84HzhhPi72GGtLS/s1600/ds+1335+jwdodge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCt0mBnELgbRCvmRcPPJwjEARXjDip-ARKx4M_RyCvSedf53CITMcAv6oyYxoWIqW6oy96zF7ZpkAQGFg_3WGXNd4OBBFmzefJyZd2snj9LUGnwYOU3t3D8W3uAK8H84HzhhPi72GGtLS/s320/ds+1335+jwdodge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699494290859534930" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADlpi09dYsrLO-tD64ac5s439DGnpMnH1AbJd4xA9znMc6nfhqHBC9D1q3OtNw96Y5KbzAwmbU877TZfTTJ5qRa8syoJvpBur3pYn5B6G2FpSRjoxAU7qEbJlA38LHfoYmtXjHfD5NzZu/s1600/ds+342+dodge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADlpi09dYsrLO-tD64ac5s439DGnpMnH1AbJd4xA9znMc6nfhqHBC9D1q3OtNw96Y5KbzAwmbU877TZfTTJ5qRa8syoJvpBur3pYn5B6G2FpSRjoxAU7qEbJlA38LHfoYmtXjHfD5NzZu/s320/ds+342+dodge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699495137322266914" border="0" /></a>Thus, although it is disappointing not to know the sitter, the miniature is by a respected artist. It can be compared with other works in the collection by John Wood Dodge; such as Eliza M Eastman see <a target="_blank" class="link" href="http://aminports3.blogspot.com/2008/07/dodge-john-wood-portrait-of-mrs-e-m.html">View</a> and Reuben Kreider see <a target="_blank" class="link" href="http://american-miniatures.blogspot.com/2006/04/dodge-john-wood-portrait-of-reuben.html">View</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS_dBfRXpJxX3Bv9-t_HK4eypTomuwefnkwoCL0dci0iwAMpxHwdccaz1qZfYnDukgVJS6pxJgpvM43owKshTkLLCxTA9rj8DOqUMZJTpsS5Md6qVb24k0vn7LniDCuWIueYwZNrZ9Y4/s1600-h/ds+1025+dodge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS_dBfRXpJxX3Bv9-t_HK4eypTomuwefnkwoCL0dci0iwAMpxHwdccaz1qZfYnDukgVJS6pxJgpvM43owKshTkLLCxTA9rj8DOqUMZJTpsS5Md6qVb24k0vn7LniDCuWIueYwZNrZ9Y4/s320/ds+1025+dodge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110625972795819394" border="0" /></a>Also of Eliza Jane Moffitt Budd see <a target="_blank" class="link" href="http://american-miniatures.blogspot.com/2006/04/dodge-john-wood-portrait-of-eliza-budd.html">View</a><br /><br />These three examples illustrate that he identified his sitters. That one was cracked when it was purchased was unfortunate, but it does illustrate the need to allow miniatures to shrink naturally across the grain.<br /><br />In this case the original framer attached it too firmly to card, so when the miniature dried over time it split vertically. It could be reframed to close the gap, but that would mean destroying the inscription on the reverse, so it has been left as it is.<br /><br />As with most artists, Dodge's style changed a little over the years, but many of his works have a shadow on the right which, because of its shape, is often referred to as his "thumbprint" shadow. The intensity of this shadow varied over his career, as with the two women showing here, but is a good clue to his works. 1452Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6282005678773288929.post-29372761080201769222012-01-10T13:33:00.000-08:002012-01-26T21:13:25.836-08:00Lemet, Louis - portrait of Col. Joseph Shippen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclHQJUYsro3WAY5yJT3I2RF_7iyWP_EGPQ6D3liGL0w6IGhEUm4eqeglmWlCTgm6m1fqWXwqyAum-XqoB12zFT4ykRVspcIMHYOnqrhCTb2xe_bQXvbehZRpJFlC_rPNrFPtWJNHqNFev/s1600/ds+1461+Lemet_0002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclHQJUYsro3WAY5yJT3I2RF_7iyWP_EGPQ6D3liGL0w6IGhEUm4eqeglmWlCTgm6m1fqWXwqyAum-XqoB12zFT4ykRVspcIMHYOnqrhCTb2xe_bQXvbehZRpJFlC_rPNrFPtWJNHqNFev/s320/ds+1461+Lemet_0002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696121448971422642" border="0" /></a>This miniature portrait is an engraving, rather than a miniature painted on ivory. Engravings are really outside the main theme of this collection, but being an early and interesting example of an American portrait it is worthy of inclusion. The type of portrait is also called a Physionotrace and originated in France. For an interesting paper on the subject see<a href="http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=physionotrace&source=web&cd=1&sqi=2&ved=0CCQQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fusers.telenet.be%2Fthomasweynants%2Fprecursors.html&ei=hjEiT-G1D-aciAekrMzgBA&usg=AFQjCNF50f72OorPXurYwaDg7sYsPKoJKQ&cad=rja" class="l"> Precursors of photography: Early Visual Media - <em>Physionotrace</em> <b>...</b></a><br /><br />This example was advertised on eBay at a modest Buy It Now price of $90 as;<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Offered for sale is this interesting miniature c1700s plate engraving. Piece was acquired form a Berks County, Pennsylvania estate. This shows a 1700s gentleman, in that era's attire. Looks to be of political genre. We have been unable to determine who this is. There is a description of gentleman under the engraving. However due to age and fade we are unable to fully read what it states. We also have found there to be a pencil signed name on back. But again it is extremely faded and very hard to see with the naked eye.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhyphenhyphenjd95iaXoptOjLsUlX6jMMwOYMy_yeDSp76TqMjGUbwdHUealDOriBVYw1K2cH-Xf-ZlXuGJuaZN9qJUdWJZIBYUDu7JIUweT7esK0V5UcQzm9x3yNXYlsYTltLRKYf1FXWiXr5eAg/s1600-h/ds+1278+stmemim.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhyphenhyphenjd95iaXoptOjLsUlX6jMMwOYMy_yeDSp76TqMjGUbwdHUealDOriBVYw1K2cH-Xf-ZlXuGJuaZN9qJUdWJZIBYUDu7JIUweT7esK0V5UcQzm9x3yNXYlsYTltLRKYf1FXWiXr5eAg/s320/ds+1278+stmemim.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123123289111989330" border="0" /></a>My reaction was immediately that it was a St Memin portrait engraving, similar to one of Christopher Grant Champlin which was acquired several years ago, see <a target="_blank" class="link" href="http://american-miniatures2.blogspot.com/2007/10/although-this-miniature-portrait-is.html">View</a> That was not in very good condition but had represented an opportunity to include a named artist and sitter in the collection.<br /><br />On arrival I looked closely at the rear of the portrait for the name, but could only make out that the second name might start Shipper..., perhaps Shipperton or Shipperman, but it could also start Chipper...<br /><br />From a cursory glance the very faint engraved name under the portrait appeared to be St Memin, so I searched for the portrait in the excellent catalogue of St Memin's work by Ellen Miles. However, that was unsuccessful, so I wrote to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery to see if the portrait was known.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5rCAj-cZsXJI89rRNREmyNHmAoxDrKGFJdcK622qJZGi7a-AvZfQovbfGi3zkSd3Qol82AbO0mHjr9TQf9CA2-7sKfN4QMZbS-cF3mTrFWr8MyPx_o1TbhvqhPZYnXxCq5yRHbQsFXqx/s1600/ds+1461+Lemet_0001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5rCAj-cZsXJI89rRNREmyNHmAoxDrKGFJdcK622qJZGi7a-AvZfQovbfGi3zkSd3Qol82AbO0mHjr9TQf9CA2-7sKfN4QMZbS-cF3mTrFWr8MyPx_o1TbhvqhPZYnXxCq5yRHbQsFXqx/s320/ds+1461+Lemet_0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696121461778202546" border="0" /></a>I received a very kind reply which identified the sitter, but provided a completely unexpected answer in respect of the artist!<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The portrait engraving you have is actually the work of Saint-Memin's Philadelphia student/partner Louis Lemet. The sitter is Col. Joseph Shippen (1732-1810). I don't have any biographical information on him, but no doubt he is a Philadelphian, since the Shippens were a prominent Philadelphia family.<br /><br />The original drawing for the portrait is owned by the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. They may also own an example of the engraving. I have been told that the Worcester (Massachusetts) Art Museum also has an engraving, but I can't tell from my notes if I have actually seen it! The engraving appears to be inscribed: Drawn & engrd. By L LeMet. Philada. The letters "d" of engrd and "a" at the end of Philada are both raised. There is information on Lemet in the Saint-Memin book. </span><br /><br />Whereas St Memin is well documented, I had never heard of Louis Lemet (1779-1832) so it was interesting to find out a little about him. Around 1799 St Memin took Lemet, a French emigre as his assistant, before beginning an itinerant life. However, Lemet remained in Philadelphia until 1805, when he moved to Albany where he advertised;<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Physiognotrace Likenesses Engraved. L Lemet, respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen of Albany that he takes likenesses in crayon as large as life, and engraves them of a reduced size in a new and elegant style. The price of the large likenesses, with an engraved plate and twelve impressions, is $25 for gentlemen, and $35 for ladies, or $8 for the drawing only. For further particulars apply at his room at Capt. Lockwood's, the corner of Dock and State street, where a great number of portraits of distinguished characters may be seen.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8X_l-aiQcAjXFMwVjg42MWSxzb08v0gyhkJPPDUA8FaOXs8FezA_BrqYRHmEzrtzowVJTtfc2yke_SAvLB1Xg7i842MGY9iMN5MJyctNL88jHiiMhPqQQB-Y4IYrgvFN1xQuTSN5eSni/s1600/ds+1461+Lemet+framing.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8X_l-aiQcAjXFMwVjg42MWSxzb08v0gyhkJPPDUA8FaOXs8FezA_BrqYRHmEzrtzowVJTtfc2yke_SAvLB1Xg7i842MGY9iMN5MJyctNL88jHiiMhPqQQB-Y4IYrgvFN1xQuTSN5eSni/s320/ds+1461+Lemet+framing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696131244558520354" border="0" /></a>The engraving is in a gilded frame of fairly standard design which appears to be the original frame and was presumably made by Lemet himself, as he appears to have later advertised himself as a frame maker under the name of Lewis Lemet.<br /><br />He then worked at Albany NY from 1805-1828.<br /><br />It appears that Lemet engravings are less common than those of St Memin, so is welcome as an example of his work.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyOg9xTljqS9bJBdS7jDxS7iHGBa2mVeYQTzFBpv8ju16NKPfDRxUw_huJJ5LiNY8UcIrPsMOAEcpCsVl3BcHWCUV8ZM4m5WEfcTnPInGwd6d5Lb5R-lwnQMAarbU3J9AVwaN6qag30h5/s1600/ds+1461+Lemet_0004.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyOg9xTljqS9bJBdS7jDxS7iHGBa2mVeYQTzFBpv8ju16NKPfDRxUw_huJJ5LiNY8UcIrPsMOAEcpCsVl3BcHWCUV8ZM4m5WEfcTnPInGwd6d5Lb5R-lwnQMAarbU3J9AVwaN6qag30h5/s320/ds+1461+Lemet_0004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696121453812834898" border="0" /></a>As can be seen (or as cannot be seen!) the writing on the reverse is almost impossible to read, so I am very grateful that NPG was able to identify the sitter as Col. Joseph Shippen. He was born October 30, 1732 at Philadelphia and married Jane Galloway on 29 Sept 1768 and he died in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1810. They had ten children. He was the uncle of Peggy Shippen, who became the wife of Benedict Arnold. He is often described as Joseph Shippen Jr. despite his father being referred to as Edward Shippen. It is believed this was to either to distinguish between, son, father, and grandfather.<br />Joseph Edward Shippen (1667-1741)<br />(Joseph?) Edward Shippen (1701-1781)<br />Joseph Shippen Jr (1732-1810)<br />or perhaps instead to distinguish him from his uncle, "Gentleman Joe", Joseph Shippen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yb9iHH_ND5kC66f14Elrk7t90dvD0yMOBikLLa6oW6N92ZQLXEyONYFEUYSJYU0Ncq-qlGmXZ2hhw3iNw67bxz_xhJKbfI5DqvprMIxqOuX11yDzxDL2Lp4wfxsjBnDP3ukywlJD6QfM/s1600/abshippenhome.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yb9iHH_ND5kC66f14Elrk7t90dvD0yMOBikLLa6oW6N92ZQLXEyONYFEUYSJYU0Ncq-qlGmXZ2hhw3iNw67bxz_xhJKbfI5DqvprMIxqOuX11yDzxDL2Lp4wfxsjBnDP3ukywlJD6QfM/s320/abshippenhome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698836024010958146" border="0" /></a>The first Shippen in America was Edward Shippen, of Cheshire, England, who was persecuted in Boston for the sin of being a Quaker, and removed to Philadelphia to become its honored Mayor. It then being a habit in the Shippen family to be Mayors of Philadelphia. Living near Mr. Shippen 's fine old mansion on Orange Street, (showing here c1830 and more recently below) Christopher Marshall, who was often severe in his strictures upon the joys of life, recorded in his diary, of Sunday, July 26, 1778, a bit of pleasant sociability with Mr. Shippen, with, whom he walked home from the " Dutch Presbyterian Meeting House," where they had listened to a discourse from "one Fifer, minister of the Church of England." "Returned with Shippen," he wrote, "who pressed me to stop at his house, and drink a glass of beer of his own brewing."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY6E2cYfOR5QDhDV-t9yGb91Otxbj1F0ySgaQIqqrqSW_gEeBrIBD4hPdHpouEQ-jZ3OTp7mtdFtTz5VsFhfhirEi6N0a-Ih-U2SQI2M2bEgBpKDfLqHzshXh8Aak5OwkctE4Qo56dwJC/s1600/Aedwardship.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiY6E2cYfOR5QDhDV-t9yGb91Otxbj1F0ySgaQIqqrqSW_gEeBrIBD4hPdHpouEQ-jZ3OTp7mtdFtTz5VsFhfhirEi6N0a-Ih-U2SQI2M2bEgBpKDfLqHzshXh8Aak5OwkctE4Qo56dwJC/s320/Aedwardship.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698834683140540466" border="0" /></a>A less peaceful Sunday than this of July 26th, when Mr. Marshall and Mr. Shippen drank beer of the latter's own brewing, was that Sunday in December, 1763, when Mr. Shippen (as showing here, father of the sitter), as chief burgess of Lancaster, was called out of church in consequence of a sudden foray of the Paxton boys, who suddenly appeared in the yard of the Swan Inn, as Mr. Shippen said in his report to the Governor, "upwards of a hundred armed men from the post road rode very fast into town, turned their horses into Mr. Slough '& and proceeded with the greatest precipitation to the workhouse, where they stove in the door and killed all the Indians."<br /><br />The premeditated murder, in cold blood, of these captive Conestogas by men who belonged to a civilized nation has been described as one of the blackest pages in the history of Pennsylvania.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LT9dreOJTtyX1A-0yTOU4Njs3oZ6iBHH_OgnzjK4xRLbrI_OL0X_OjALhUGQAG_v1KhyjUcVtyFME-AcxxPlFSF3XPTd9Hlpv0j3nhv98BDmBcRuZ1KmpHKd5s8Y2qeri-ELnWydwKmN/s1600/ashippenhome.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LT9dreOJTtyX1A-0yTOU4Njs3oZ6iBHH_OgnzjK4xRLbrI_OL0X_OjALhUGQAG_v1KhyjUcVtyFME-AcxxPlFSF3XPTd9Hlpv0j3nhv98BDmBcRuZ1KmpHKd5s8Y2qeri-ELnWydwKmN/s400/ashippenhome.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698816337803072498" border="0" /></a>After the death of Edward Shippen, his fine old mansion on Orange Street passed into the hands of his son Edward, the Chief Justice, whose daughter Peggy was the wife of Benedict Arnold. The house was afterwards bought by Joseph Shippen, another son of Edward of Lancaster. This Joseph Shippen (the sitter), who lived for a time in the old Lancaster home, was an able man, a public-spirited citizen, a soldier and, withal, something of a gallant, as is proved by his " Lines Written in an Assembly Room," (see below)<br /><br />After his death in 1810 the old home passed into the hands of Edward Shippen Burd and was later bought by the Honorable Walter Franklin, Attorney-General of the Common<br />wealth and an honored citizen of Lancaster. After being in the Franklin family for<br />twenty-six years, the Shippen House became the property of Mr. Emanuel C. Reigart. It was later demolished and the YWCA building now stands on the site.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqBD2aj5rHmvFf7YgvdkTnSx3qowEF1SFULbNTqw8yPcM8otp31dEk9Cd_x2j7RFpAsul5SmgYsWii3fvj9My8LAZZKdD0esJJNOCgMNTgSHmEwrSBJD4JQciYfpFs9TbuitsBRPnnyeT/s1600/ajanegalloway.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqBD2aj5rHmvFf7YgvdkTnSx3qowEF1SFULbNTqw8yPcM8otp31dEk9Cd_x2j7RFpAsul5SmgYsWii3fvj9My8LAZZKdD0esJJNOCgMNTgSHmEwrSBJD4JQciYfpFs9TbuitsBRPnnyeT/s320/ajanegalloway.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699594547615876546" border="0" /></a>The sitter, Joseph Shippen, Jr., graduated at Princeton in 1753, and shortly afterward entered the provincial army, in which he rose to the rank of colonel, and served in the expedition that captured Fort Du Quesne. After the troops were disbanded he went to Europe, partly on a mercantile venture, but chiefly for travel. He returned to Philadelphia in 1761, and in the following year was chosen to succeed the Reverend Richard Peters as secretary of the Province Council (1762-1776). After eleven years of strict attention he represented to the Council that "£11 a year was by no means an adequate satisfaction for his services". However, he continued to hold the post until the Revolution, when the provincial council ceased to exist. He subsequently removed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where in 1789 he became a judge of the Lancaster county courts (1789-1810). He was fond of the fine arts, early noted Benjamin West's genius, and, with William Allen and other friends, greatly aided him with means for pursuing his artistic studies in Italy, for which West was grateful during life. Benjamin West painted Joseph's wife, Jane Galloway in this portrait which is owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street, Philadelphia. Joseph was for more than forty years a member of the American philosophical society.<br /><br />His father was a well known early settler, Edward Shippen (Boston, Massachusetts, July 9, 1703 – Lancaster, Pennsylvania, September 25, 1781) who was a wealthy merchant and government official in colonial Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Edward Shippen entered into mercantile pursuits with James Logan, with whom he was in business from 1732 as the firm of Logan and Shippen. Afterward he went into the fur trade with Thomas Lawrence, as the firm of Shippen and Lawrence. In 1744 he was elected mayor of Philadelphia. In 1745 and for several years thereafter, he served as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas. In May 1752, he moved to Lancaster, where he was appointed prothonotary, as which he served until 1778. He had large transactions as paymaster for supplies for the British and provincial forces when they were commanded by General John Forbes, General John Stanwix, and Colonel Bouquet, and managed them with so much integrity as to receive public thanks in 1760. He was a county judge under both the provincial and state governments.<br /><br />In early life Edward Shippen laid out and founded the town of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. In 1746 to 1748, he was one of the founders of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), of which he was a member of the first board of trustees, from which he resigned in 1767. He was also a subscriber to the Philadelphia Academy (now the University of Pennsylvania) and a founder of the Pennsylvania Hospital and the American Philosophical Society.<br /><br />It seems Col Joseph Shippen did not have a military role in the Revolutionary War, but there is a reference of 16 May 1778 which appears to relate to him; <span style="font-style:italic;">Ordered That Joseph Shippen jun'r of Kennet Township Esq. be discharged from his Parole & be at liberty to act as he shall judge best. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkspuckhSzETjqbUZ2uQ3wBj8YuPfuWS6_7F6j08XmDwa_jMeXWEED_BMTc68EWJqSzyiFQYxK45i8eQQHhFPKKU55sLcdZorPVoUdMBOZ4rq6qTK-5XCt7MB6x0WrESIPgHRe7uUQzpLD/s1600/ds+1461+moderncopy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkspuckhSzETjqbUZ2uQ3wBj8YuPfuWS6_7F6j08XmDwa_jMeXWEED_BMTc68EWJqSzyiFQYxK45i8eQQHhFPKKU55sLcdZorPVoUdMBOZ4rq6qTK-5XCt7MB6x0WrESIPgHRe7uUQzpLD/s320/ds+1461+moderncopy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696151606096021330" border="0" /></a>A later 19C copy of the portrait describes him as Secretary of the Provincial Council. An example of his earlier army duties are seen in a letter of 1758;<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Joseph Shippen to Thomas January, 1758.<br />Sir, It is His Honour Governor Denny's Orders that you immediately send up Two hundred and Sixty-five Musquets with Bayonets & Cartouch Boxes etc., to Lancaster, which are to be delivered to the Care of Edward Shippen Esq. for the Use of Five of the new Levied Provincial Companies. And also to send Four hundred & twenty four Musquets, with Bayonets & Cartouch Boxes, etc., to Carlisle, which are to be delivered to the Care of Francis West Esq., for the Use of Eight other new Levied Provincial Companies.<br />By order of Governor Denny, JOSEPH SHIPPEN, Jr., Brigade Major. Philadelphia 5th June 1758<br />Directed To Mr Thomas January Provincial Armourer in Philad. </span><br /><br />And another written to his brother-in-law, who had married his sister Sarah Shippen;<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Joseph Shippen to Maj. James Burd, 1758. </span><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fort Augusta 20 January 1758 </span><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Brother [in-law], I had the pleasure to write you the 2d Inst to Mr Burd when I inclosed you the Returns etc for the 1 January 1758, since which several small Parties of Delaware Indians have arrived here with Skins to trade at the Store; among the rest came old King Neutimus, Joseph & all their Family: And we have now 43 present including Women & Children. Job Chilloway (Bro'r to Bill Chilloway) came here t'other day from the Munsey Country at the Heads of the Cayuga Branch, above Diahoga; he was born & bred at Egg-Harbour, is a very sensible fellow & speaks the English Language perfectly well. From all the Circumstances of his Conversation & Behaviour he appears to be a strict Friend to the English Interest; his releasing Armstrong's Wife from the Enemy Indians last Summer, & the prudent precautions he used in sending her here, is a Confirmation of my good opinion of him. He assures me that the only Indians on the Susquehanna who are our Enemies are those of the Munsey Nation; & they are determined to continue the War against the English; he says he understood from some of the Indians when he came away, that a small Party of French were expected next month from Niagara to join a Muncy Captain & some of his Warriours; & their Intention is to go towards the Settlements near Delaware, and to take an English Fort, situated at a place called by the Indians the Bending Hill, which we suppose to be Fort Allen. He further informs me that last March he carried a parcel of Skins to the French at Niagara, to purchase Clothing for his Family, which meer Necessity obliged him to do, much contrary to his Inclination, observing that the unhappy Indian War had put an End to English Trade; that while he was at that Fort, there were but five officers & he computed the Number of Soldiers not to exceed 150, who by his description of their appearance & dress, are Regulars; that they mounted in the Fort 45 pieces of Cannon, some of which were the Brass Field Pieces taken from General Braddock, which they intended in the Summer to send to Fort Frontenac; that the Fort was strong & pretty large, having in it a great Stone House 3 Stories high, where the Officers lived. He intends to return to the Munsey Country in a few days in order to bring away his things, & in the Spring is determined to live among his Brethren, the English with whom he has always enjoyed peace & Friendship.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> I have the pleasure to inform you that Capt Jameson & Lieut Garraway arrived here yesterday with 12 Battoes containing 6000 lb flour, 2 hogsheads of Whiskey, 3 Barrels of Salt, & 20 Bushels of Indian Corn for the Garrison, besides a Quantity for Mr Carson's Store. In the morning I shall dispatch off Capt, Lieut Davis & Ensign McKee with a Party of 50 Men in the Battoes to make another trip if possible while tho River is open & favourable. I have restricted the Garrison to an allowance of one pound of flour per man since the 1 January & shall think it Necessary to continue the same till Capt Davis's return with an additional supply. We have now in Store 17390lb. flour & 91481lb. Beef. Inclosed you have a list of Prisoners here for desertion. I hope to have the pleasure of a Letter from you soon with an agreeable account of success in all your Affairs.</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I am very sincerely Dr. Sir, Your very Affectionate Brother &c<br />JOSEPH SHIPPEN Jr </span><br /><br />It seems Joseph Shippen was a fine judge of the local 'belles' in Philadelphia as in c1767 he was the author of a verse titled;<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">‘Lines written in an Assembly Room in Philadelphia,’</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceke90oGWfFBLyOsUz62Gn4cFtdLkPGc0nNpfL3ElanEIsUmMQ-fiFkHaiORJGAANFti2UDmjMqaet59-U4k32tLYpy9b_yaF-kelp1iRdSdsVcMKXUdMBZlm8RLMUlYDlRXnGg2MH6GG/s1600/ashippen.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 374px; height: 582px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceke90oGWfFBLyOsUz62Gn4cFtdLkPGc0nNpfL3ElanEIsUmMQ-fiFkHaiORJGAANFti2UDmjMqaet59-U4k32tLYpy9b_yaF-kelp1iRdSdsVcMKXUdMBZlm8RLMUlYDlRXnGg2MH6GG/s320/ashippen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698803067587935538" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In lovely White's most pleasing form,<br />What various graces meet!<br />How blest with every striking charm!<br />How languishingly sweet!<br /><br />Withe just such elegance and grace,<br />Fair, charming Swift appears;<br />Thus Willing, whilst she awes, can please;<br />Thus Polly Franks endears.<br /><br />A female softness, manly sense,<br />And conduct free from art,<br />With every pleasing excellence,<br />In Inglis charm the heart.<br /><br />But see! another fair advance,<br />With love commanding all;<br />See! happy in the sprightly dance,<br />Sweet, smiling, fair M’Call.’<br /><br />Each blessing which indulgent Heaven<br />On mortals can bestow,<br />To Thee, enchanting maid, is given<br />Its masterpiece below.<br /><br />In Sally Coxe's form and face,<br />True Index of her mind,<br />The most exact of human race<br />Not one defect can find.<br /><br />Thy beauty every breast alarms,<br />And many a swain can prove<br />That he who views your conquering charms<br />Must soon submit to love.<br /><br />With either Chew such beauties dwell,<br />Such charms by each are shared.<br />No critic's judging eye can tell<br />Which merits most regard.<br /><br />'Tis far beyond the painter's skill,<br />To set their charms to view;<br />As far beyond the poet's quill<br />To "give the praise that's due." </span><br /><br />The identification of the belles referred to, is by Anne Hollingsworth Wharton in one of her early histories, <span style="font-style: italic;">Through Colonial Doorways.</span> He was quite a gallant and as his second wife died in 1801, and his gravestone in St. James records that he was not buried until 1810, it is a little puzzle why he did not wed a third time. He named one home Plumley in honor of his mother, but it is not clear if that was the one where he was living in 1810. On his death, an advertisement of his property, in the Lancaster<span style="font-style: italic;"> "Journal"</span> April 28, 1810, described it as;<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"that large two-story brick house and lot of ground on the north side of Orange street, in the borough of Lancaster, late the property of Joseph Shippen, Esq., deceased. The lot is 51 feet 7 inches and a half front on Orange street and 245 feet deep, and has the privilege of an 8 feet alley on the west. The house contains four rooms besides a kitchen on the first floor and five on the second story. Also a handsome building lot adjoining the above on the east, measuring 34 feet in front on Orange street, and 245 on Lime street. Also another lot west of said house measuring 39 feet 2 inches front and 245 feet deep. This lot has the privilege of an 8 feet alley which is to be in common between this and the house lot."</span><br /><br />At<a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=%22joseph%20edward%20shippen%22%20&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CDYQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmss3.libraries.rutgers.edu%2Fdlr%2Foutputds.php%3Fpid%3Drutgers-lib%3A33465%26mime%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26ds%3DPDF-1&ei=M_8MT-3OFsmOiAe18LWFBg&usg=AFQjCNFEF6bB8FveiR-wECRA3HY2UcAt8Q&cad=rja" class="l"> Summer Wood</a> there is a thesis dated May 2011 by Summer Wood which discusses the Shippen family in depth. So, all in all, a fascinating investigation into his life and another portrait of an unknown sitter rescued from obscurity! 1461Don Sheltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01981381449429373197noreply@blogger.com0