Joseph Morgan
ArtistMade by
Peter Choice
American, active 1809 - 1820
Date1815-1820
MediumSilhouette; hollow cut from beige wove paper with graphite and black ink backed with black paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 2 3/4 x 1 1/2in. (7 x 3.8cm)
Frame (height x width): 6 7/8 x 6 1/4in. (17.5 x 15.9cm)
Frame (height x width): 6 7/8 x 6 1/4in. (17.5 x 15.9cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
DescriptionBust-length silhouette of a man facing left. He wears a high collar, a tie, and ruffles, possibly lace, on his shirt.
Object number2001.111.1
MarkingsLithographed label on wooden backing of frame, "FINE ARTS / A.D. VORGE & CO. / 276 MAIN ST. / HARTFORD, CONN." Frame is not original to silhouette.InscribedOn backing of frame, inscribed in pencil, "Joseph Morgan & Wife / daughters / Mary Smith & Lucy Morgan / Goodwin / Done by Peter Choice". In pencil on lower edge of frame, "Joseph Morgan B. 1780 / D. 1847".NotesSubject Note: The Morgans were a prominant family in Hartford, Connecticut. Joseph Morgan was the proprietor of Morgan's Coffee House, an important gathering place for Hartford businessmen. Joseph married Sarah Spencer Morgan, and they had three children: Lucy Morgan Goodwin; Mary Morgan Smith, and Junius Spencer Morgan. Junius was the father of financier J. P. Morgan. (Finlay 1/30/2002)Artist Note: Peter Choice is only documented in Hartford between 1809 and 1812, but based on the ages of the Morgan children--Lucy was born in 1811--these silhouettes must be somewhat later in date, probably from about 1815-1820. (Finlay 1/30/2002)
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