John Jauncey Ketchum (1770-1841) was born on Bermuda, the sixth generation of his family to inhabit that island. In 1795 he married a distant relative, Susannah Jauncey (1772-1861), in New York, which may have been the occasion for which this miniature was painted. The back of this locket is adorned with the initials "JK" in gold filigree, and interwoven locks of hair, possibly those of the newlyweds. The couple returned to Bermuda, raising eight children, and after Ketchum's death Susannah returned to New York.
Credit: Gift of Albert A. Best, Edison, N.J.
Ca. 1795
Watercolor on ivory
8.6 x 6.0cm
1986.64.1
Image and text: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2023
Where you'll find this
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Permanent collection