Portrait of the Daughter(?) of Emilius Nicolai Scherr

Art Historical Context

This delicate watercolor miniature, titled *Portrait of the Daughter(?) Emilius Nicolai Sch*, captures an intimate moment from mid-19th-century America 1863. Measuring just 11 x 8.5 cm, the small scale is characteristic of portrait miniatures, which were prized for their portability and personal nature—often tucked into lockets, cases, or pockets as cherished keepsakes. Created by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the precision and subtlety of watercolor techniques, where translucent layers build luminous skin tones and fine details on a surface. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Dep...