M.T. Webb
Unknown Artist
ca. 1830
Medium
Watercolor on ivory
Dimensions
Sight: 2 5/8 x 3 3/16 in. (6.7 x 8.1 cm) Locket: 3 9/16 x 2 5/8 in. (9 x 6.7 cm) Case: 4 7/16 x 3 3/8 in. (11.3 x 8.6 cm)
Classification
Painting, miniature
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Elle Shushan, in honor of Carrie Barratt and Lori Zabar, 2009
Accession Number
2009.210
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate watercolor miniature portrait of M.T. Webb, around 1830 by an unknown American artist, captures the refined elegance of early 19th-century portrait. Measuring just 2 5/8 x 3 3/16 inches within its sight area, it is painted on ivory—a favored medium for miniatures due to its smooth, luminous surface that allowed for fine detail and subtle color gradations. Housed in a locket (3 9/16 x 2 5/8 inches) and protective case (4 7/16 x 3 3/8 inches), this intimate artwork was designed for personal wear, evoking the sentimental bonds of family and loved ones. In the American Wing of The M...