Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Alexander Murray |
Object Number |
M.2009.011.1 |
Object Type |
Painting, Miniature |
Date |
Early 19th century |
Place of Origin |
United States of America |
Description |
Oval bust-length, watercolor-on-ivory portrait miniature of Alexander Murray (1755-1821), an officer in the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War and original member of the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, by an unknown American artist, early 19th century. Sitter's shoulders are turned slightly to the proper left, with powdered white hair, pale skin, and dark eyes. Wearing a military uniform consisting of a dark blue coat with a high standing collar, buff-colored facings, gold buttons, and a gold epaulet with one star on each shoulder; a buff-colored waistcoat with a high standing collar; a white shirt with a frill at the neck; and a white stock. Gold epaulets have long fringe over shoulders with one star. A gold Society of the Cincinnati Eagle insignia suspended from a long light blue-and-white ribbon hangs from the proper right lapel. Plain reddish-brown background. In an oval locket-style coin silver case with a beaded inner edge, bail at the top with a hinged oval loop, and cover glass. Plain coin silver back with engraved text in script: "Alexander Murray, / Commodore U.S. Navy, / Born July 12th 1755. / Died Oct. 6th 1821." |
Materials |
Watercolor/Ivory/Glass/Silver |
Dimensions |
3 5/8" h x 2 7/16" w x 3/8" d |
Credit Line |
The Society of the Cincinnati, Museum Acquisitions Fund purchase, 2009 |