Matthew Maury

Peregrine F. Cooper, Matthew Maury, ca. 1840, watercolor on ivory, sight 2 ⁷⁄₈ x 2 ³⁄₈ in. (7.3 x 6.0 cm) rectangle, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore, 1950.4.26

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Artwork Details

Title: Matthew Maury
Artist: Peregrine F. Cooper
Date: ca. 1840
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: sight 2 ⁷⁄₈ x 2 ³⁄₈ in. (7.3 x 6.0 cm) rectangle
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore
Mediums: watercolor
Mediums Description: watercolor on ivory
Classifications: Painting
Miniature
Subjects: Occupation — military — Navy
Portrait male — Maury, Matthew Fontaine — bust
Object Number: 1950.4.26
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1950.4.26

Artwork Description

Long thought to be a portrait of oceanographer Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806-1873), this miniature appears to be an image of his cousin, also named Matthew Maury. According to correspondence from the family, this Matthew Maury (1800-1875) was the son of James Maury, affectionately known as “The Old Consul” for his role as the first American consul to Liverpool, England. James Maury was a friend of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington, all of whom attended a school set up by James Maury’s father to educate his thirteen children and the children of other prominent families.