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Mourning ring with miniature portrait of James Monroe
After: John Vanderlyn (American, 1775–1852)
probably 1855–74
Object Place: United States
Medium/Technique
Gold, hair
Dimensions
Height x width: 1 3/16 in., 2.1 cm (3 cm, 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Arthur Croft—The Gardner Brewer Collection
Accession Number01.6593
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Rings
DescriptionAn eighteenth century mourning ring with some of its contents removed and replaced at a later time with a miniature portrait of James Monroe. The image of Monroe appears to derive from John Vanderlyn's portrait of him done in 1821. This was was widely reproduced as an engraving, including one in 1857.
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)