Mrs. Israel Thorndike (Sarah Dana) 1843

This portrait of Sarah Dana, later Mrs. Israel Thorndike, was painted by George Lethbridge Saunders, most likely in the first half of the 19th century. It’s an exquisite example of a miniature, painstakingly made with watercolors on ivory. Consider how this choice of material and scale immediately sets it apart from larger, more public forms of painting. Ivory, a precious material, speaks to luxury and exclusivity, while the minute detail attests to the artist’s exceptional skill and patience. Creating such an object required not only artistic talent but also a significant investment of time. The subtle gradations of color, the delicate rendering of Mrs. Thorndike’s features, and the overall intimate scale would have been highly prized by its commissioner. It’s important to think about this artwork in the context of craft and social status, as it served as a personal memento and a symbol of affluence. By emphasizing the processes and materials involved, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this artwork.