Epes Sargent Dixwell

Unidentified, Epes Sargent Dixwell, 19th century, wax bas relief, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.81
Copied Unidentified, Epes Sargent Dixwell, 19th century, wax bas relief, image (irregular): 2 5⁄8 x 1 1⁄2 in. (6.8 x 3.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.81
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Artwork Details

Title
Epes Sargent Dixwell
Artist
Unidentified
Date
19th century
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
image (irregular): 2 5⁄8 x 1 1⁄2 in. (6.8 x 3.8 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
wax bas relief
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — Dixwell, Epes Sargent — bust
Object Number
1999.27.81
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.81

Artwork Description

This miniature is a wax relief sculpture of Epes Sargent Dixwell. Dixwell was born in 1807 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and spent his entire life there. He was headmaster of the Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America (founded in 1635), and worked to create educational opportunities for Boston’s young people. He was involved in the construction of the school’s first library and also founded the Boston Latin School Association, which still exists today. In this portrait, the pale wax against the plush red velvet of the case highlights Dixwell’s dignified profile.