Mrs. James G. Almy (Myra Eliot)

Art Historical Context

Step into the intimate world of early American portraiture with *Mrs. James G. Almy (Myra Eliot)*, a delicate watercolor miniature on ivory by Edward Greenebone, created around 1798. Measuring just 3 1/8 x 2 3/8 inches, this gem captures the refined elegance of Myra Eliot wife of James G. Al, in a format perfect for a locket or private keepsake. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, it reflects the post-Revolutionary elite's desire for personal, portable likenesses. Malbone, one of America's premier miniaturists active from the 1790s until his early death in 1807, mastered the challenging watercolor-on-ivory technique. The smooth ivory surface provided a luminous glow, allowing his fine brushwork to render lifelike skin tones, expressive eyes, and intricate lace details with astonishing precision. These miniatures were a hallmark of Federal-era portraiture, blending European traditions with emerging American identity, often commissioned by prosperous families like the Almys. This bequest from Edward Walden Forrest in 1927 preserves a snapshot of 18th-century femininity and social status. Visitors appreciate how such tiny works demanded extraordinary skill, turning everyday jewelry into enduring art—reminding us of a time when portraits were both fashion and family heirloom.

About the Artist

Edward Greene Malbone · 1777–1807

1777–1807