Penelope Minturn

Periodca. 1855 - 1860

MediumWatercolor on paper, glass, velvet and silk case frame

DimensionsImage: 3.5 × 2.75 in. (8.9 × 7 cm)

InscribedA pencil inscription handwritten on lined paper is tucked into the frame case and reads "Penelope Minturn."

ClassificationsPortrait Miniatures & Silhouettes

Credit LineGift of Mary Minturn Adams in memory of her Hartshorne Ancestors, 2018

Object number2018.10.8

DescriptionAn oval miniature in watercolor on paper of Penelope Minturn, set beneath glass bezel with a molded gold inner frame within a maroon velvet covered hinged case. Penelope poses in a 3/4 view facing left. Blue eyed, ruddy cheeked Penelope wears her light brown hair parted in the center with puffs on either side of her face. She wears an elaborate head piece consisting of lace purple ribbons and green bows. The sitter's black silk dress includes elaborate front rosettes and a crisp white lace collar fastened by an oval brooch. Penelope wears a green shawl edged with yellow, red, and blue ribbon draped over her arms.
Curatorial RemarksThe portrait of Penelope Minturn (1801 - 1861) was executed by the same unknown artist who produced the portrait of her sister Cornelia Minturn (1812 - 1882) and appear to have been done at the same time, sometime between 1855 and 1860. Both sitters' likenesses were captured in watercolor on paper, making them relatively inexpensive portraits. Nonetheless, the artist was talented and clearly able to record the sisters' individuality and fashion choices. Both miniature likenesses are in virtually identical cases, Cornelia's covered in emerald green velvet, Penelope's in maroon velvet. Please see the portrait of Penelope Minturn (accession number 2018.10.7.)NotesPenelope Minturn (4 April 1801 - 27 December 1873) was one of eleven children of Benjamin Greene Minturn (1771 - 1845) and Mary Bowne (1774 - 1852). Benjamin, the son of William Minturn (1738 - 1799) and Penelope Greene (1746 - 1821), was born in Newport, Rhode Island. The family moved to New York City in 1791. Penelope's sister, Mary Ann Minturn (1802 - 1861), married Robert Hartshorne (1798 - 1872), who was also a first cousin to Penelope's and Mary Ann's mother Elizabeth. Seven of the Minturn siblings, including Penelope, remained unmarried. The family members were close, and Penelope accompanied her sister Mary Ann Minturn Hartshorne, in 1860 to Nassau, Cuba, and the South for Mary Ann's heath. Mary Ann's son Edward Hartshorne accompanied his mother and aunt. Correspondence, hotel bills, and a diary kept by Mary Ann Hartshorne is among the extensive Hartshorne family papers owned by Monmouth County Historical Association. Penelope's portrait appears to have been done between 1855 and about 1860. Her reddish hair is arranged in smooth puffs on either side of her face and topped with an elaborate headdress consisting of black lace and green and lilac ribbons. A glimpse of a bright green shawl, provides a bright spot of color against Penelope's black silk dress. This portrait, as well as one of Penelope's sister Cornelia, were most likely done as gifts for Cornelia's and Penelope's sister Mary Ann Minturn Hartshorne (1802 - 1861).

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