Cynthia Paulina Waldo
SubjectPortrait of
Cynthia Paulina Waldo
(1836 - 1908)
PainterAttributed to
Charles William Eldridge
(1811 - 1883)
Dateprobably 1837-1838
MediumMiniature; watercolor on ivory in leather-covered wooden case
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width ): 2 9/16 x 2in. (6.5 x 5.1cm)
Other (height x width x depth of case): 3 x 2 7/16 x 9/16in. (7.6 x 6.2 x 1.5cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of William H. Bulkeley
Object number1964.12.3
DescriptionMiniature portrait of a baby girl wearing a white lace dress and cap. She is sitting on a carpet with a red and green pattern in front of a sideboard and elaborate wallpaper. The girl is holding a grey and white cat, and is wearing a necklace, possibly a locket or miniature portrait with a gold chain around her neck.
Label TextWhile most miniature portraits from the early nineteenth century show the sitters posed against a blank background, this portrait of Cynthia Paulina Waldo provides a charming glimpse of a domestic interior. This conveys American's greater enthusiasm for romantic and familial bonds during this period. This miniature portrait is attributed to Charles William Eldridge, the uncle of the subject.
NotesDate Note: Subject's life dates suggest that it was probably painted in either 1837 or 1838. (Ozzone 5/7/2013)Status
Not on view