Possibly Mary Lane Miltimore Hale (born 1797)

Inscriptions

Inscribed, on reverse, in graphite, (appears to be in 20th century hand): Hale

Label

Boston miniaturist Sarah Goodridge was one of the most accomplished female artists of her day, despite her humble origins, scant formal instruction, and limited guidance from famed portraitist Gilbert Stuart. Donated to the College with the Miltimore family papers, this miniature likely portrays Mary Miltimore (1797-1879), who married Moses Little Hale of Boston in 1824. The image's mix of idealism and tangible realism accentuates both the sitter's beauty and her high social station, qualities especially valued in a new or prospective wife.

From the 2019 exhibition American Art, Colonial to Modern, curated by Barbara J. MacAdam, Jonathan L. Cohen Curator of American Art

Exhibition History

American Art, Colonial to Modern, Israel Sack Gallery and Rush Family Gallery, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, January 20-October 2, 2020.

Marks of Distinction: Two Hundred Years of American Drawings and Watercolors from the Hood Museum of Art, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, March 29-May 29, 2005; Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 24-September 11, 2005; National Academy Museum, New York City, New York, October 20-December 31, 2005.

Portraits at Dartmouth, Jaffe-Friede Gallery, Hopkins Center Art Galleries, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, March 10-April 16, 1978.

Publication History

Barbara J. MacAdam, Marks of Distinction: Two Hundred Years of American Drawings and Watercolors from the Hood Museum of Art, Manchester, Vermont: Hudson Hills Press, 2005, pp. 19, 62, ill. p. 63, no. 5.

Arthur R. Blumenthal, Portraits at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire: Trustees of Dartmouth College, 1978, p. 51, no. 43.

John R. Stomberg, The Hood Now: Art and Inquiry at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire: Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, 2019, p. 111, ill. plate no. 42.

Provenance

Mrs. D. G. Brummett; given to Dartmouth College Library, date unknown; transferred to present collection, 2002.

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