Mrs. James Morris

Media - 1963.9.7 - SAAM-1963.9.7_1 - 1695
Copied Henry Colton Shumway, Mrs. James Morris, ca. 1845, watercolor on ivory, sight 4 583 58 in. (11.69.2 cm) rectangle, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Catherine Walden Myer Fund, 1963.9.7
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Mrs. James Morris
Date
ca. 1845
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sight 4 583 58 in. (11.69.2 cm) rectangle
Credit Line
Museum purchase through the Catherine Walden Myer Fund
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait female — Morris, James, Mrs. — waist length
Object Number
1963.9.7

Artwork Description

Henry Colton Shumway painted these portraits of Mr. and Mrs. James Morris around 1845. There are several men by the name of James Morris living in New York at this time, so without further information it is difficult to establish the identity of these sitters. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are shown seated on red chairs in identical poses, their bodies held stiffly at an angle while their eyes look back over one shoulder. The gentleman’s surly expression befits his somber outfit, while the lady’s clothing and expression are much softer. Conservation of these miniatures was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.