Hope
Unknown Artist
1800–1805
Medium
Watercolor on ivory in a gold and pearl ring
Dimensions
1/2 in diam. (1.27 cm)
Classification
Painting, miniature
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Morgan Grinnell, 1932
Accession Number
32.134.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled within a delicate gold and pearl ring, *Hope* is a exquisite watercolor miniature on ivory, measuring just 1/2 inch in diameter. Created by an unknown American artist between 1800 and 1805, this tiny portrait likely depicts a woman, evoking themes of resilience and remembrance. Such intimate jewels were cherished personal keepsakes during the early Federal period in the United States, often worn close to the heart as lockets or rings. The medium of watercolor on ivory exemplifies the mastery of 19th-century miniaturists. Ivory's smooth, luminous surface allowed for intricate details a...