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
- 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
- Mediums Description
- watercolor on ivory
- Subjects
- Occupation — military — Navy
- Portrait male — Maury, Matthew Fontaine — bust
- Object Number
- 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.
