Mrs. George Henry Loring (Amalia Heredia) 1849

This portrait of Amalia Heredia Loring was painted on ivory by Richard Morrell Staigg sometime in the mid-19th century. To create it, Staigg would have prepared a thin slice of ivory, likely imported from Africa or Asia, for its smooth, fine-grained surface. He then applied delicate washes of watercolor, building up translucent layers to capture Mrs. Loring’s likeness. The luminosity of the ivory support shines through the pigments, creating a soft, ethereal effect. Miniature portraits like this were luxury goods. They demanded incredible precision and skill, reflecting the wealth and status of the sitter. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the portrait also speaks to a culture of global trade, labor, and consumption. It represents the intersection of fine art and craft, reminding us that all art is made, and that materials and processes are central to its meaning.