Painting

Title:

Moses Thomas

Object Name:

Painting

Object ID:

1979.055.10

Creator:

Lewis, William (1788-after 1838)Artist

Date:

circa 1825

Description:

Miniature portrait of Moses Thomas (1805-1880), attributed to William Lewis (1788-after 1838), 1820-1830. Watercolor on ivory. Bust-length oval portrait of a man, facing right; eyes toward viewer. Sitter has short black hair with center part and dark eyes. He is wearing a black coat, white shirt with high collar, and white stock. Yellowish brown background. Brass case with rear window, small chain with loop, glazed.

Material:

Ivory
Metal
Glass

Dimensions:

H-2.4 W-1.9 inches

Provenance:

From the family of Colonel William Austin Kent. The donor, Louise Thomas Blanding (1891-1981), was Moses G. Thomas (1805-1880) granddaughter.

Note in accession folder, probably written by donor or family member, reads: "Rev. Moses G. Thomas. Hand painted miniature. In this era miniatures were exchanged at the time of an engagement / marriage rather than rings. This was given to Mary Jane Kent from Rev. M. G. Thomas. She died at 92 years holding this picture in her hands."

Credit Line:

Bequest of Louise Thomas Blanding

People:

Thomas, Moses G. (1805-1880), Thomas, Mary J. (1806-1897), Lewis, William (1788-after 1838), Blanding, Louise T. (1891-1981)

Subjects:

Unitarian churches, Ministers, Pastors, Congregational churches, Marriage, Miniatures (Paintings), Miniatures, Portrait miniatures, Thomas, Moses G.