Henry Larcom Abbot 1835

Washington Blanchard painted this watercolor on ivory of Henry Larcom Abbot in the first half of the 19th century. This was the Victorian era, when the sentimental value of portraiture exploded, with small watercolors on ivory becoming popular, more affordable alternatives to large-scale oil paintings for middle class families. The technique demanded great control, with thin washes of pigment floated onto the smooth surface of the ivory. Look closely, and you can see the tiny stipples that build up the image. The artist’s skill determined the sitter’s likeness and, more importantly, their perceived social status. Notice Abbot's ruffled collar and neatly tailored jacket, all signs of wealth and privilege carefully rendered by the artist. These precious objects were often kept in decorative cases like the one here, which protected the delicate surface and transformed the portrait into a portable keepsake, a physical embodiment of memory and affection. When we consider the artistry and labor involved, we can appreciate these portrait miniatures as not just historical documents, but also intimate expressions of craft and social aspiration.