A mourning or memorial portrait of a little girl sitting on the floor, removing doll-size cups …

Harriet Gardner Denny

Artist Chester Harding (American, 1792 - 1866)

Datec. 1833

Mediumoil on board

DimensionsOther (Board): 30 1/4 × 25 1/8 inches (76.8 × 63.8 cm)
Framed: 34 1/2 × 27 1/2 inches (87.6 × 69.9 cm)

Credit LineBequest of Daniel Denny in memory of Mrs. May Denny Williston.

Object number1998.16.3

On View

On view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextThe charming girl in this portrait has unpacked a tiny tea set from its box, ready to participate in an activity that little girls everywhere engage in – a tea party! Girls have been encouraged in this play in order to practice their social skills and engage their fine motor skills. The sitter, Harriet Gardner Denny, daughter of Daniel and Harriet Joanna Gardner Denny, was born in Boston, MA in 1831, and died in 1833. Her portrait was painted by Chester Harding after her death from a plaster mask of her face.

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