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Rare Shirley Wax Portrait featured in "Early American Life"
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| Shirley Plantation’s rare wax medallion of Baron de Botetourt is featured in the June, 2008 issue of “Early American Life.” Norborne Berkeley, Lord Botetourt, one of Virginia’s first governors, was memorialized in a miniature wax portrait after his death in 1770. The portrait, created by English immigrant Isaac Gossett, was instantly a hit, and several replicas were created. Shirley’s medallion was purchased by Charles Carter in 1773, and Thomas Jefferson purchased a similar one which he displayed in his tea room at Monticello. This representation of a popular art form dating back to the 1700s and early 1800s is a cherished heirloom from the 11-generation Hill Carter family of Shirley. So few early wax portraits survive that the circa 1773 carved-wax likeness of Baron de Botetourt is valued for its rarity as well as its history. |
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| “Early American Life” notes that the wax portrait probably hung in the Shirley parlor on the historic occasion in 1793 when Ann Hill Carter and Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee, parents of Robert E. Lee, were married in front of the marble parlor fireplace. Wax portraits in miniature were an inexpensive way to preserve and display likenesses of public figures and family members. They were very popular until photography evolved in the 1840’s. Today they are not well known to the public, although collections may be found in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Over the years the Monticello Botetourt medallion disappeared, and the Monticello staff borrowed the Shirley matching wax portrait during the 250th celebration of Jefferson’s birth in 1992. It was returned in 1997, and once again reposes on the wall of Shirley’s Great House. A wax portrait of Lord Botetourt currently on display at Colonial Williamsburg is a modern reproduction of the Shirley medallion. Visitors touring Shirley Plantation will see the rare Lord Botetourt medallion, as they view the fine antique furniture, old silver, and original portraits in the elegant Great House which has been home to the Carters since 1738. The plantation is situated on Scenic Route 5, between Williamsburg and Richmond. It is open for visitation year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Regular admission is $11.00 for adults and $7.50 for youth. Discounts are available for AAA members, military, and seniors. For more information call 1-800-232-1613. |
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© 2008 Shirley Plantation. All rights reserved. Website: First Graphics, Inc.