Union Case with Oval Cartouche Design Containing a Portrait of an Unidentified Family
MakerMade by
Samuel Peck
(American, active 1844 - 1857)
Dateabout 1860
MediumPhotography and thermoplastic case; tintype, watercolor and gold on lacquered iron in metal holder, mounted in molded plastic with printed paper lining, velvet pad, glass cover sheet and metal hinges and clasp
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (exterior height x width x depth): 4 7/8 x 3 15/16 x 7/8in. (12.4 x 10 x 2.2cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2002.54.3
DescriptionImage: Oval studio portrait of a man, a woman, and two girls. The man has a beard and mustache and wears a dark suit. The woman wears a dark dress and jewelry, including a brooch. She wears a hair net or snood. The older girl wears a dress with a lace collar and earrings. The younger girl wears a blouse with applied trim and a checked skirt.
Case: Front and back covers are stamped with a conventional design consisting of an oval surrounded by scrolls and stylized leaves. Identical abstract decorative motifs, perhaps meant to suggest stylized flowers, are at each corner. The border contains a design resembling netting.
Pad: Deep purple velvet stamped with a triangular design of stylized leaves and flowers.
Metal mount: Elaborate design includes diaper pattern, scallops, stylized leaves.
NotesMaker Note: Case is attributed to Samuel Peck of New Haven.Case: Front and back covers are stamped with a conventional design consisting of an oval surrounded by scrolls and stylized leaves. Identical abstract decorative motifs, perhaps meant to suggest stylized flowers, are at each corner. The border contains a design resembling netting.
Pad: Deep purple velvet stamped with a triangular design of stylized leaves and flowers.
Metal mount: Elaborate design includes diaper pattern, scallops, stylized leaves.
Subject Note: Portrait does not necessarily have a Connecticut association, since Peck's cases were widely marketed. However, the auction at which it was purchased consisted primarily of Connecticut material, much of it associated with Middletown. (Finlay 4/5/02)
Status
Not on view
Edmund Burke Kellogg
1850-1860
