Elizabeth Monroe 1768–1830

Born New York City First Lady 1817–1825

Having lived in Paris for two years, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe was a remarkably cosmopolitan woman who established herself as a skilled hostess in the European style. As first lady, she implemented new White House protocols and redecorated the mansion, giving the interior a continental atmosphere.

The small size of this portrait miniature, created by the Swiss-French artist Louis Sené, would have enabled James Monroe to carry it in his pocket. In turn, the future first lady might have worn a matching one of him pinned to her dress or secured by a ribbon around her neck.

Halton Family Collection; exhibited at James Monroe’s Highland, Charlottesville, Virginia