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Eliza Law Rogers

Eliza Law Rogers
Eliza Law Rogers
Eliza Law Rogers
Status
Not on view
Label Text

In an age before photography, portrait miniatures provided a means to recall the likeness of a friend or loved one and preserve fragile emotional and familial bonds. Affectionately known as "Rosebud," Eliza Law Rogers was the only daughter of Eliza Parke Custis, a granddaughter of Martha Washington, and Thomas Law. She presented this portrait to her mother with the dedication "A Trifle for the best of mothers." Eliza Custis treasured the gift, but noted that the image of her "precious child" was "not like her."

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Datec. 1805-1810
Geography Made - United States
DimensionsOverall: 3 3/8 in. x 2 1/4 in. x 7/16 in. (8.59 cm x 5.72 cm x 1.12 cm)
Credit LineAcquired through the generosity of Mrs. William S. (Jeanie) Kilroy, Sr., 2008
Object numberH-4829
DescriptionOval, bust length portrait of Eliza Law Rogers, three-quarter view, in which her body is turned toward her left, while her head is turned to look at the viewer; she wears a white, high-waisted gown with short sleeves; her brown hair is pulled up in a bun at the back of her head and several curled ringlets frame her face; grey-green background; lit from the proper right.

Double-sided gold plated copper case with double-ring loop at top; loop is hinged on a rivet and moves from side to side; filling material used in this case includes two pieces of paper cut from an envelope; on the reverse is piece of laid paper inscribed in ink as noted above.

Published ReferencesCatalogue of the Loan Exhibitions of Historical Portraits and Relics, Metropolitan Opera House, New York City, April 17th to May 8th 1889 (New York: Committee on Centennial Celebration of the Inauguration of Washington, 1889), 38.

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