$1,304
Portrait Miniature of Henry Adams, probably Massachusetts, c. 1829, watercolor on ivory oval bust-length portrait, 2 1/4 x 1 3/4 in., in a gold hinged locket case with a plaited lock of the sitter's hair in aperture on reverse, the case rests in a red leather hinged case accompanied by two inscribed notes: "Portrait of Henry Adams given to his son Edwin Forster Adams by Susan Adams-Edwin's mother."; the other inscribed by the sitter's mother reads: "This is for Edwin when the face for which it was taken and the head from which the hair was cut, shall be remembered with the Dead. Sabbath Eve Nov. 1st 1829. (signed) S.A." Condition: Minor paint smudge lower edge. Note: Genealogical research finds Henry Adams was born May 13, 1779 in Lunenburg, Worcester County, Massachusetts. On January 1, 1807, Henry married Susan Foster (b. March 31, 1787) and they resided in Charlestown, Suffolk county, Massachusetts. Together they had three children. The portrait miniature was given to their second child, Edwin Foster Adams (b. October 7, 1809). The case hides the smudge at loer edge. The case has crude solder repair on hinge, hanger is missing, leather case is worn and frayed in some areas.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2009-02-15
