Phoebe Ann and Eliza Jane Vanderveer

PeriodCirca 1850 - 1855

Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.

MediumDaguerreotype

Dimensions3.25 × 3.75 × 1 in. (8.3 × 9.5 × 2.5 cm)

ClassificationsDaguerreotypes and Ambrotypes

Credit LineGift of Mary Elizabeth Quackenbush, 1940

Object numberP-2026

DescriptionTwin sisters pose, seated, side by side. Both women appear to be around fifty years old and wear virtually identical day gowns of printed lightweight cotton, with gathered bodices, full sleeves gathered into cuffs at wrists, and self fabric waistbands. Both sisters wear identical wide lace collars. Both sisters arranged their hair the same way, center parted, brushed smoothly back and over the ears and most likely coiled at the nape of the neck in back. Both women wear gold hoop earrings. The woman at right holds what appears to be a small shuttle, possibly for lace or weaving, while the sister at left holds something, perhaps a piece of fabric or another item of clothing or textile production, in her hand. The image is set into a typical daguerreotype case, covered in glass behind an elaborate pressed gilt metal frame, with a narrow red velvet edging, set into a gutta percha case retaining its original hinges and clasp.
NotesTwins Sarah Jane and Phoebe Ann Vanderveer were born on February 17, 1807, to parents David Garret Vanderveer and Catherine Dubois Vanderveer. Sarah Jane and Phoebe Ann Were the third and fourth of twelve Vanderveer children, all born on the family farm in Marlboro. The twins sat for this daguerreotype portrait between 1857 and 1860, when they were about fifty. Dressed in identical plaid gowns, the ladies wear matching lacework collars and hoop earrings. The twin on the right holds what appears to be a small shuttle, while the twin on the left holds something in her hand, perhaps a piece of fabric. These accessories may indicate the twins' skill in sewing, lacemaking, or other needlework.

Collections