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D2014-CMD. Miniature
Portrait Miniature of a Continental Naval Officer
D2014-CMD. Miniature

Portrait Miniature of a Continental Naval Officer

Dateca. 1776
Artist Joseph Dunkerley
OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston
MediumWatercolor on ivory in a gold case with a glass cover
DimensionsOH: 1 7/16"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund
Object number2013-147
DescriptionThe officer, facing right, wears a Naval uniform of blue coat with red facings, gold buttons engraved with an anchor, his dark hair powdered "en queue." The oval miniature is set in the original gold pendant case with reeded hanging loop, typically seen on miniatures by Dunkerley. (From Elle Shushan's invoice)
Label TextAlthough the subject has not been identified, this circa 1776 miniature portrait appears to be the earliest known depiction of an officer in America’s Continental Navy. It is attributed to Joseph Dunkerley, one of the most important miniaturists of the Revolutionary War era. Born in England, Dunkerley came to Boston with British forces about 1775, but deserted to serve in America’s Continental Army. He left military service in May 1778, but continued to paint miniatures for another decade. This compelling image comes as a significant addition to our body of early American military likenesses.