George Washington Locket

Brings $303,000 At Skinner

REVISED Skinner teaser w/1 cut

Must run 11-7  - page 67  DSS

BOSTON, MASS. — A rare miniature portrait of George Washington, one of six commissioned after his death by his widow, Martha Washington, was sold at Skinner this past Sunday, November 2, for $303,000.

The oval bust-length watercolor portrait on ivory, painted by Robert Field and signed “RF 1801” measured 2¾ by 2 inches and was encased in an oval gilt brass locket. The reverse of the locket had a crosshatched woven lock of Washington’s hair and was overlaid with a “GW” cipher.

The watercolor had been one of six commissioned by Martha Washington to be given to friends, family and confidants, of which only two, including this one, depicted him as general in full uniform.

The watercolor portrait had been presented to Sarah “Sally” Stuart, Martha Washington’s step-granddaughter and had since descended in the family. Estimated at $20/30,000, the rare watercolor sold to Philadelphia dealer Elle Shushan, representing a museum, for $303,000.

A complete review of the auction will appear in a future issue.                                       —DSS