Lot 47: John Wood Dodge, 1857 TN Miniature painted portrait

Miniature painted portrait on paper of a Southern gentleman by John Wood Dodge (1807-1893, working in Nashville, 1840-1861). Frame case contains card with C.C. Giers Studio label (located in Nashville, TN). Portrait depicts a bearded gentleman attired in black coat and black tie on brown background. Housed in gold frame case that can be worn as a pendant or as a pin. Script en verso of portrait reads "Painted by John W. Dodge, Nashville, Tenn, July 1857, Likeness of Geo. T. Tomp--." Very good condition with slight browning visible on shirt. 2 3/4" H x 2 1/4" W. A portrait miniature artist and dioramist, John Wood Dodge was born in New York City and was a member of the National Academy. In 1839, suffering ill health and possibly seeking an area with fewer competitors, he moved to Southern states and lived as an itinerant portraitist, basing himself in Nashville. From 1840 until 1861, he painted the likenesses of many of the region's most prominent citizens, including Andrew Jackson and Henry Clay. By 1857, Dodge was still painting portraits on ivory but also coloring over photographs, as photography became a greater influence in the field of portraiture. However, examination of this particular painting under high power magnification indicates, in our opinion, that it is executed entirely in watercolor on paper. A similar Dodge portrait miniature on paper of John Harding is in the collection of the Tennessee State Museum. The sitter's identity has not been determined. Dodge's account books do not contain the year 1857. However, 1860 census records show a well-to-do land owner named George T. Thompson, age 43, living in Nashville with his wife, Martha Trabue Thompson, and family.