Ellen Conover Wikoff

Periodca. 1815-1825

MediumOil on ivory, colorless glass, metal, wood, cardboard

DimensionsImage: 2.5 × 2 in. (6.4 × 5.1 cm)
Frame: 5 × 4.5 in. (12.7 × 11.4 cm)

ClassificationsPortrait Miniatures & Silhouettes

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1939

Object number1302

DescriptionPortrait of woman with brown hair in elaborate braids and high clusters of curls, with tortoisesheel comb at crown of head. Lacy white veil draped on back of head, covering shoulders. Very pale complexion, gray eyes. High white ruffled collar, fringed knotted kerchieg, dark dress. Blue and peach shaded background, Oval image set in dark wood frame, with inner border of gilt metal. Image held in place with tabbed metal liner. Backed with cardboard.
Curatorial RemarksPortrait miniatures flourished in the early United States as one of the most sought after forms of art. They were designed as mementos of the sitter, small enough to be worn as jewelry or safely tucked away. Portrait miniatures were often commissioned to commemorate significant events or presented as gifts and tokens of affection. The origins of portrait miniatures can be traced back to illuminated manuscripts and portrait medals, both staples of the Italian Renaissance period. United States miniatures were often reminiscient of the early European Rococo style, characterized by small and delicate ornamentation, though several elements distinguished these works, such as a focus on realism and attention to individuality. Famed Rhode Island artist Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828) helped popularize the technique by complimenting his full-size oil portraits with miniature versions. A significant advancement in the genre was the advent of watercolors on ivory. This intricate and difficult technique enhanced colors and skin tones, furthering the acclaim of portrait miniatures in the United States.NotesEllen Conover Wikoff (1787-1842) was the daughter of Colonel Elias and Anne F. Conover. She married Nathaniel Scudder Wikoff (1788-1859) of Manalapan, and had two children, Ellen Conover (b. 1825) and Marie Antoinette (b. 1831).

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