Moses B. Russell Portrait Miniature c1840
Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Miniatures: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1464829
Please refer to our stock # a1861 when inquiring.
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A portrait miniature done by Moses B. Russell and I wish I could say more about this painting or the sitter, but the original backing paper, where Russell signed and often threatened people (incorrectly) not to remove the paper, has been removed. However, the painting was clearly done by Russell and closely mirrors one in the Metropolitan Museum. Excellent condition (any apparent problems in the photo are due to reflections) and presented in a 2 3/4" by 2 1/4" gilt metal case with a lock of hair in the glazed rear aperture.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE : Russell (1810 - 1884) was born in New Hampshire or Massachusetts, and worked in Boston between 1831 and 1853. In 1839 he married Clarissa Peters (also a miniaturist, with whom he worked closely, resulting in styles similar enough that it is often difficult to tell their work apart). After his wife’s death in 1854 Moses spent almost a decade in Italy. He returned to Boston in 1863, working there, New York and Philadelphia for the rest of his life. His works, and those of his wife's are in many museum collections, including those of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the North Andover Historical Society. Their paintings are highly sought after by collectors of folk art and miniatures.
