Mr. Goodin

About this artwork

These miniatures depict two of the four Goodin brothers: William, James, John, or Samuel. The relationship of the two men is confirmed by their striking resemblance and the similar gold pin worn by both. The older Mr. Goodin is likely to be William Francis Goodin, the husband of Amanda Elias Goodin, who lived from 1807 to 1867. His career as a banker made it necessary for the family to relocate many times, living in Mississippi, Kentucky, New Orleans, St. Louis, and in Philadelphia, where these ...

Art Historical Context

"Mr. Goodin," a delicate miniature portrait painted around 1835 by James P. Smithca. 1803–1888) in Philadelphia, captures the refined likeness of one of thein brothers—likely the elder William Francis Goodin (1807–1867). This intimate work, part of a pair depicting two siblings (possibly from among William, James, John or Samuel), highlights their resemblance and shared gold pin, underscoring strong familial bonds. Miniatures like this were cherished 19th-century keepsakes, often rendered in fine detail on a small scale with watercolor on ivory, making them portable treasures for travelers. William's life as a banker epitomized the era's economic mobility, with his family relocating across the antebellum South and Midwest—from Mississippi and Kentucky to New Orleans, St. Louis, and finally Philadelphia. Painted during this peripatetic phase, the portrait served as a tangible link to loved ones amid constant change. Its preservation, thanks to a Smithsonian Women’s Committee grant, ensures this glimpse into early American middle-class prosperity endures. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, "Mr. Goodin" exemplifies the artistry of regional miniaturists like Smith, whose meticulous technique preserved personal stories against the backdrop of a expanding nation. A poignant reminder of identity and connection in a time of flux.