Mrs. Christopher Grant Perry (Frances Sargeant) 1837 - 1840

Richard Morrell Staigg created this watercolor on ivory portrait of Mrs. Christopher Grant Perry sometime in the mid-19th century. Miniatures like this were deeply personal objects, acting as keepsakes and mementos, often exchanged between loved ones. Staigg, known for his meticulous detail, captures Frances Sargeant’s delicate features and the soft textures of her dress with remarkable precision. But beyond the surface, consider the social context of this portrait. As the wife of a prominent figure, Frances occupied a specific position in society, and her representation here reinforces ideals of femininity, domesticity, and refinement. The miniature encapsulates the aspirations and values of a particular social class in 19th-century America, reflecting a desire to preserve likeness and status. It invites us to reflect on the emotional connections we form with images, both then and now.