Harriet Wadsworth (1769–1793) Artist: John Trumbull (American, 1756–1843)

ca. 1793

American Paintings and Sculpture

On view, 2nd floor, American Art before 1900


This miniature is part of a set of five painted by John Trumbull, four of which depict members of the artist’s family. Harriet Wadsworth, daughter of Jeremiah Wadsworth, and Trumbull were cousins and childhood friends. In 1790 he proposed marriage to her, but the proposal was not accepted. Harriet died at the age of twenty-four in Bermuda, and this posthumous miniature was painted from memory.

Medium

Oil on wood

Dimensions

3 7/8 × 2 7/8 in. (9.8 × 7.3 cm)

Credit Line

Trumbull Collection

Accession Number

1832.35

Culture

American

Period

18th century

Classification

Miniatures

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Bibliography
  • Susan B. Matheson, Art for Yale: A History of the Yale University Art Gallery (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 2001), 18, fig. 15
  • Helen A. Cooper et al., John Trumbull: The Hand and Spirit of a Painter (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1982), 147, pl. 96-100
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

miniatures (paintings), portraits

Subject

dresses educators girls gowns hair hairstyles women

Signed

Signed verso: "Miss H. Wadsworth/died at Bermuda/ April 1793./ painted from memory by J. Trumbull/ July of same year."

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