Riley Whiting, Jr.
SubjectPortrait of
Riley Whiting Jr.
(1820-)
Datebefore 1845
MediumMiniature; watercolor on ivory under glass in metal frame
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width ): 2 7/16 x 2in. (6.2 x 5.1cm)
Frame (height x width x depth ): 3 x 2 1/8 x 1/8in. (7.6 x 5.4 x 0.4cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1964.105.0
DescriptionBust length miniature portrait of a young man with dark brown hair and eyes, and long sideburns. He is wearing a white shirt, black stock or cravat, and black waistcoat and jacket. The miniature portrait is in a metal frame with a suspension loop.
Label TextThis miniature portrait was painted by miniaturist Isaac Sheffield, who signed the miniature "I. Sheffield, Pinxt." Isaac Sheffield was an itinerant Connecticut painter who specialized in painting sea captains and whalers. Sheffield is known to have worked in New York City, Guilford, and New London, Connecticut. The subject of this miniature, Riley Whiting Jr. was born in Winsted, Connecticut and was the son of clockmaker Riley Whiting.
NotesDate Note: Information in museum records dates this to 1830-1835, but given the subject's life dates this seems unlikely. The artist, Isaac Sheffield, was active in New London, Connecticut from 1833 until his death in 1845, which makes the period between 1835 and 1845 a more likely date range for this portrait. (Ozzone 4/25/2013)Status
Not on view