Belle of California.

PrinterPrinted by Elijah Chapman Kellogg American, 1811 - 1881

PublisherPublished by Elijah Chapman Kellogg American, 1811 - 1881

PublisherPublished by Ensign, Thayer & Co. American, 1850 - 1852

Date1852-1853

MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 11 1/2 x 8 1/4in. (29.2 x 21cm)
Sheet (height x width): 14 x 9 15/16in. (35.6 x 25.2cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of Samuel St. John Morgan

DescriptionThree-quarter-length portrait of a woman wearing a laced bodice over a long-sleeved dress with a wide neckline and a gathered skirt, bodice, and sleeves. The bodice is trimmed with braid and tassels. A bow is tied at the bottom of the bodice, and a large loop of what appears to the same material, is tied below the waist like a girdle. The woman's jewelry included brooches, which are pinned to the sleeves and the center of the neckline, and pendant earrings. Many small flowers are pinned at both sides of her hair.

Object number1950.202.160

InscribedOn recto, lithographed title beneath image, "BELLE OF CALIFORNIA. / 479." Lower left, in black ink, " James [illegible surname: Shannon?}". Lower right, in black ink, "Chicopee Mass. Feb. 1856".

On verso, upper left, in red ink, "787". Center, in black ink, "May the angels guard you / My Darling, with distinguished care / and every Blessing may you always / Share in flowry [sic] paths may you / Always thread [sic] by fortune / favoured and virtue led. / James [illegible surname: Shannon?] / Chicopee Massachusetts / America 1854". In pencil: center left, "B# 112"; lower left, "Print / Box 6 / #50"; lower right, "consv CPS 1987" "Dwr 34" and accession number.

Subject Terms