Mrs. James Morris

Henry Colton Shumway, born Middletown, CT 1807-died New York City 1884 · ca. 1845

Henry Colton Shumway painted these portraits of Mr. and Mrs. James Morris around 1845. There are several men by the name of James Morris living in New York at this time, so without further information it is difficult to establish the identity of these sitters. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are shown seated on red chairs in identical poses, their bodies held stiffly at an angle while their eyes look back over one shoulder. The gentleman’s surly expression befits his somber outfit, while the lady’s clothing and expression are much softer. Conservation of these miniatures was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.