John Gadsby, Jr.

Media - 1950.4.7 - SAAM-1950.4.7_2 - 128766
Copied Anson Dickinson, John Gadsby, Jr., ca. 1829, watercolor on ivory, sight 2 382 in. (6.05.1 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore, 1950.4.7
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
John Gadsby, Jr.
Date
ca. 1829
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sight 2 382 in. (6.05.1 cm) oval
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — Gadsby, John, Jr. — bust
Object Number
1950.4.7

Artwork Description

John Gadsby Jr. was the son of the famous tavern keeper, John Gadsby, owner of Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. The tavern hosted Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural dinner and “birthright” balls to honor George Washington’s birthday. This work was painted in Washington, D.C., where Dickinson was based at the time. The painting was originally a stickpin, mounted on a long pin that was pushed through the fabric of the wearer’s cravat.