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Requires Photography
Ring with miniature portrait of James Polk
After: Mathew Brady (American, 1823–1896)
probably 1855–74
Object Place: United States
Medium/Technique
Gold
Dimensions
Height x width: 1 in., 2 cm (2.5 cm, 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft—The Gardner Brewer Collection
Accession Number01.6592
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Rings
DescriptionAn eighteenth century mourning ring with the contents removed and replaced at a later time with miniature portrait of James K. Polk. The image of Polk appears to derive from the last daguerreotype done of him, completed by Matthew Brady around 1848-49 and widely published.
ProvenanceUntil 1874, probably Gardner Brewer (b. 1806 - d. 1874), Boston; probably by descent to his daughter, Caroline Abigail Brewer (Mrs. Arthur) Croft (d. 1898), Boston; 1901, bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft to the MFA. (Accession Date: July 1, 1901)