Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
William Palfrey |
Object Number |
M.2015.001 |
Object Type |
Painting, Miniature |
Date |
ca. 1776-1780 |
Place of Origin |
United States of America |
Description |
Oval bust-length, watercolor-on-ivory portrait miniature of William Palfrey (1741-ca. 1780), an officer in the Continental Army and United States consul to France during the Revolutionary War, by an unidentified American artist, ca. 1776-1780. Sitter's shoulders are turned slightly to the proper right and his head faces the viewer. Wearing the uniform of the general staff of the Continental Army consisting of a blue coat with buff-colored facings and a gold epaulet on the proper left shoulder, a buff-colored waistcoat, and a white shirt, lace neckpiece, and stock. Pale skin, blue eyes, and white-gray hair. Plain green-brown background. In an oval locket-style gold case encircled on the front by 44 gray pearls set in gold, with a fixed teardrop-shaped bail at the top. The pearl-and-gold outer bezel and bail is a later addition dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. Painting is encased behind a flat oval cover glass with a beveled edge. Back of the case is plain gold with an oval rim and scalloped edge. With a later rectangular box with a metal clasp and hinge, light brown exterior, and black velvet interior. A red-trimmed label on the outer lid has a handwritten inscription in ink: "Col. Palfrey / ggg grandfather / of [?] / C.L. [?]." |
Materials |
Watercolor/Ivory/Pearl/Gold/Glass |
Dimensions |
1 15/16" h x 1 1/2" w x 3/16" d |
Credit Line |
Purchased with a gift from a private foundation, 2015 |