Ada Brown 1847

John Henry Brown painted this miniature portrait of Ada Brown, in watercolor on ivory. This tiny portrait, meant to be worn as a pendant, offers a glimpse into the social and cultural values of 19th-century America. Miniature portraits like this were popular among the middle and upper classes in both Europe and America. They served as keepsakes, mementos of loved ones, and symbols of social status. The creation of this portrait was most likely commissioned, reflecting the sitter's family's wealth, or perhaps served as a commemoration of childhood innocence. The very act of commissioning such a portrait speaks to the social importance placed on family and lineage during this period. By examining census records, genealogical databases, and historical accounts, we can learn more about the Brown family and the social context in which they lived. In doing so we recognize that, even in the smallest of artworks, we see reflections of the broader social structures of its time.