Laura Wolcott Gibbs
SubjectPortrait of
Laura Wolcott
(1794 - 1870)
ArtistMade by
Unknown
Date1820-1830
MediumMiniature; watercolor on ivory under glass in metal frame
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width ): 2 5/16 x 2in. (5.8 x 5.1cm)
Frame (height x width x depth ): 2 7/8 x 2 1/8 x 1/8in. (7.3 x 5.4 x 0.4cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1930.1.0
DescriptionBust-length portrait of a woman with brown curly hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a black dress, brown sash, and white pelerine with lace edging at the bust line. The metal frame has a loop for suspension and on the back, has an opening with a locket of braided hair under glass.
Label TextLaura Wolcott was born in 1797 into a prominent Connecticut family. Her father, Oliver Wolcott Jr., was the Secretary of the Treasury in George Washington's cabinet, and a Governor of Connecticut. Her grandfather, Oliver Wolcott Sr. signed the Declaration of Independence. Laura married Colonel George Gibbs in 1810, with one of their children, Wolcott Gibbs becoming a prominent professor at Harvard University.
NotesDate Note: Subject's clothing suggests the miniature was completed between 1820-1830 (Ozzone 4/5/2013)Subject Note: Laura Wolcott Gibbs probably attended Sarah Pierce's Female Academy (Ozzone 4/12/2013)
Status
Not on view
probably 1794
before 1845
