Samuel Smedley
SubjectPortrait of
Samuel Smedley
(1753 - 1812)
MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1775-1783
MediumMiniature; watercolor on ivory under glass in metal frame in the form of a brooch
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 1 x 1 5/16in. (2.5 x 3.3cm)
Frame (height x width x depth of brooch ): 1 1/8 x 1 1/8 x 1/8in. (2.9 x 2.9 x 0.4cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Ruth P. Hemingway
Object number1938.4.0
DescriptionBust-length miniature of a young man with dark hair pulled back in a queue. He is wearing a blue jacket that appears to be a military uniform, with red reverses decorated with buttons. He also wears a white waistcoat and jabot. The circular brooch has a metal border in the form of rope and has a pin and clasp on the back.
Label TextCaptain Samuel Smedley was born in March of 1753, in Fairfield Connecticut. Smedley won great repute as a sea captain during the Revolution. He commanded the brig, "Defence", which captured many prizes, including the British ship Cyrus. After the war he was Collector of Customs for the Fairfield District, where he died in June of 1812.
NotesDate Note: The uniform appears related to Revolutionary War uniforms, suggesting that the miniature is from that period. (Ozzone 2/27/2013)Object Note: According to information from the donor in the museum records, this may have been painted in Holland. (Lee 3/11/2013)
Status
Not on view
before 1845
