Miniature Portrait of Sarah Ann ("Sally") Tazewell (1812-1893)

DateProbably 1838-1842

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Norfolk (probably)

MediumWatercolor on ivory portrait in a leather case having a silk lining and brass clasps.

DimensionsSight: 3 7/16" x 2 3/4" and Closed Case: 3 13/16" x 3 3/8" x 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1998.300.1

DescriptionA half-length, near frontal portrait of a young woman in a long-sleeved figured purple dress, which is pointed at the waist, gathered over the bust, and whose low v-neck is trimmed with white lace. A pink, white- edged shawl or stole is wrapped around her shoulders and hides her hands. A black ribbon circles her neck, and ends crossing in front and being secured there by a small circle of gold. She has dark brown eyes, and her long dark brown hair is parted in the middle and styled in corkscrew curls that hang down on either side of her face. Figured red fabric covers the back of her seat (presumable a sofa). A figured pink drape hangs down the right side of the picture, held back at its center by a gold hook. The background is crosshatched green- gray. The portrait is force-fitted into a rectangular red leather-covered case having two brass sickle clasps.

Artist unidentified.
Label TextThe subject was the fourth of nine children born to Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774-1860) and Ann Stratton Nivison Tazewell (1785-1858). Sally Tazewell never married and lived in her parents' Norfolk home until her death.
Two privately owned miniatures attributable to the same artist and representing two of Sally's sisters have been recorded: one of these depicts Mary (b. 1822). The second probably shows Ann (b. 1817) or, possibly, Louisa (b. 1804).

InscribedNone found to date. N. B. The miniature has not been removed from its case as of 11/3/2003.
ProvenanceHanded down in the family to collateral descendant Thomas Marshall Whittemore, who was CWF's "Vendor." Also see the Nivison-Tazewell genealogical chart in files for clarification of family relationships.