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Mary Bowne Minturn
Mary Bowne Minturn
Mary Bowne Minturn

Mary Bowne Minturn

Periodca. 1845 - 1850
MediumDaguerreotype
DimensionsImage: 3.5 × 2.75 in. (8.9 × 7 cm)
Case: 4.75 × 4.25 × 0.63 in. (12.1 × 10.8 × 1.6 cm)
InscribedPinned to the inside of the case is a handwritten penciled inscription on lined paper reading "Mary Bowne Minturn- / daughter of Eliz. Hartshorne"
ClassificationsDaguerreotypes and Ambrotypes
Credit LineGift of Mary Minturn Adams in memory of her Hartshorne Ancestors, 2018
Object number2018.10.15
DescriptionElderly Mary Bowne Minturn poses in 3/4 view towards the right. The sitter wears a crisp, sheer white cap, with a puffed crown and a ruffled brim continuing into close-fitting lappet ends fastening under her chin. Above a dark gown (most likely black silk), the sitter wears a heavily starched sheer white double ruffle collar. A dark shawl is draped loosely over her shoulders. Beneath Mary Minturn's cap, a glimpse of tightly rolled and curled dark hair can be seen. The daguerreotype has been delicately tinted is shades of pink along the sitter's cheeks, lips, and chin.
Curatorial RemarksIn her daguerreotype portrait taken in about 1850, Mary would have been at least eighty years of age. Her clothing choices are both interesting and notable. She wears a crisp, sheer white cap fastened beneath her chin, blending with her ruffled collar, also of well-starched white cotton mull. Both cap and collar reflects accessories popular in the first two decades of the 19th century. Beneath Mary's cap, rows of distinctly dark tightly wound curls can be seen, again reflecting a hairstyle more popular at the beginning of the century. It is not uncommon in 19th century portraits of elderly women to note such details; many women wore those fashions they felt most comfortable or famililar in, particularly in regard to accessories such as caps, collars, shawls, and other items. The unknown photographer was highly skilled, producing a razor sharp image, delicately tinting Mary's lined features a soft, warm pink.NotesMary Bowne Minturn was born on 7 September 1774, and died 12 April 1852. She was the daughter of Robert Bowne and Elizabeth Hartshorne. She married Benjamin Greene Minturn (1771 - 1845), the son of William Minturn (1738 - 1799) and Penelope Greene (1746 - 1821). The couple had eleven children including Sarah H. (1795 - 1879), William H. (1796 - 1854), Elizabeth (1798 - 1823), Robert Bowne (1799 - 1864), Penelope Greene (1800 - 1873), Mary Ann (1802 - 1861), Benjamin Greene (1803 - 1832), John Champlin (1804 - 1886), Edward (1806 - 1879), Cornelia (1812 - 1882), and Charles (1814 - 1873). In addition to Mary Bowne Minturn, the Historical Association also owns portraits of her children Cornelia (2018.10.7), Penelope (2018.10.8), Edward (2018.10.14), and Charles (2018.10.13).
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