Posts By: Heather Iannucci

Godey’s Lady’s Book, Vol. 1858 1858 Paper, ink, cardstock JJ.1975.3.2 Godey’s Lady’s Book was an American women’s magazine that was published in Philadelphia from 1830 to 1878. Marketed specifically to women, each issue contained poetry, articles, and engravings created by prominent writers and other artists of the time.  The magazine is best known for the…

Palazzo della Regina Giovanna, Naples c.1832 Painting- Oil on canvas; Frame- Cast compo ornament with decorative design on a gesso background Thomas Cole JJ.1958.386 This painting by Thomas Cole depicts the Palazzo della Regina Giovanna in the bay of Naples. The palace was built in the 14th century but was remodeled in both the 17th…

Card Table early 19th century Mahogany JJ.1958.131 This mahogany card table has a folded octagonal top and a fifth leg, or “fly leg,” that was used when it was opened all the way.  Fold-over card tables, either rectangular or circular were introduced during the mid-18th century, and continued to be made until the 20th century….

Bullfighter Mexico City, Mexico 1910 JJ.2015.5.25.d   You may view the Object of the Day Archives HERE

Ostrich Feather Fan c.1890 Feather, celluloid JJ.1980.132 This fan would actually have been quite inexpensive compared with other feather fans of the late 19th century. The feathers were plucked from a male Ostrich, and the handle is an inexpensive material. A more decorative example from the time could have had a tortoise shell handle, with…

  Salver c.1773-1774 Sterling Silver JJ.1968.228   The Salver was used primarily as a presentation dish for the serving of food or drink, never would a person have eaten off this. Smaller ones would have also been used as calling card holders, or for the presenting of letters by servants in more affluent households. Ours…

Buttons w/ Jay Family Crest c.1850-1865- Scovill 1893-1928 – French Brass JJ.1958.798   These small rounded buttons feature the Jay crest on front. The loop on back indicates they were coat, or jacket buttons. Family tradition states that these were all from servant’s uniforms, or “livery.” Census records show that from 1850 to 1910 they…

Letter from John Jay to Peter Augustus Jay January 29, 1799 Paper, Ink JJ.1980.582 This letter written by John Jay (1745-1801) to his son Peter Augustus (1776-1843) discussed a number of property matters.  Peter Augustus was working as John’s agent in New York City while John was in Albany serving as governor.  The letter mentions…

Sarah Jay and Her Children 1798 Pastel Crayon on paper, mounted on canvas James Sharples (1752-1811) JJ.1987.9   This pastel portrait of Sarah Livingston Jay with her two youngest children, William and Sarah Louisa, was done around the year 1798 by James Sharples. It is possibly the only picture of Sarah Jay that was done…