Seth Beckley
PainterPainted by
Unknown
SubjectPortrait of
Seth Beckley
(1775 - 1802)
Dateabout 1800
MediumMiniature; watercolor on ivory in metal frame under glass
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 2 1/8 x 1 11/16in. (5.4 x 4.3cm)
Frame (height x width x depth): 2 7/8 x 2 x 1/8in. (7.3 x 5.1 x 0.4cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Rulef C. Schanck in memory of his wife, Leona Lucy Fisher Schanck
Object number1935.14.2
DescriptionBust-length miniature portrait of a man facing slightly to the right with blue eyes, gray hair, and sideburns. The man is wearing a dark brown jacket, white waistcoat, and white cravat or stock. The miniature is in an oval metal frame with a loop for suspension. On the back of the frame there is a locket of braided hair. The glass that covers the hair has the initials S.B. printed on it.
Label TextSea Captain Seth Beckley was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut on 7 January 1775.
His legend suggests that he was murdered by robbers, who by mistake, took the wrong chest and left the chest containing money. He died on 24 August 1802 at Cape Francois Island.
NotesMedium Note: Metal frame appears to be pinchbeck, which is an alloy of copper and zinc, used to imitate gold.His legend suggests that he was murdered by robbers, who by mistake, took the wrong chest and left the chest containing money. He died on 24 August 1802 at Cape Francois Island.
Date Note: The worksheet in object file dates this miniature at about 1800, but the reason for this is undocumented. (Ozzone 3/4/2013)
Status
Not on view
before 1845
probably 1794
