Singleton van Buren as a Child

John Carlin, Singleton van Buren as a Child, 1844, watercolor on ivory, image (oval): 2 ¹⁄₄ x 1 ³⁄₄ in. (5.6 x 4.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.3

Free to use

Artwork Details

Title: Singleton van Buren as a Child
Artist: John Carlin
Date: 1844
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: image (oval): 2 ¹⁄₄ x 1 ³⁄₄ in. (5.6 x 4.6 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums: watercolor
Mediums Description: watercolor on ivory
Classifications: Painting
Miniature
Subjects: Figure male — child — bust
Portrait male — Van Buren, Singleton — bust
Object Number: 1999.27.3
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.3

Artwork Description

Singleton Van Buren (1841-1885) was the grandson of Martin Van Buren, who served as eighth president of the United States from 1837 to 1841. Born the year his grandfather left the White House, Singleton was the oldest child of Angelica Singleton Van Buren, daughter of a wealthy South Carolina merchant and wife of the president’s oldest son. Angelica served as first lady during her father-in-law’s administration, the president’s wife having died in 1819. This portrait shows Singleton as a young boy, around three or four years old.