Miss Maude Adams (1872–1953)

1902

Watercolor on ivory

Overall: 2 3/4 × 2 1/4 in. (7 × 5.7 cm)

Gift of the Estate of Peter Marié

1905.1

This miniature is alphabetically the first of the 285 miniatures representing "the beauties of New York Society" which were presented to New-York Historical Society by the Residuary Legatees under the will of Peter Marie on March 25, 1905. According to his New York Times Obituary, "He always with gentle insistence claimed the miniature or portrait of every new beauty he met. This was done with such rare, courtesy that the fair donor could not refuse." Legendary stage actress Maude Adams made her Broadway debut in 1888 and achieved greatest acclaim in the role of Peter Pan. As the "Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up," she appeared in more than 1,500 performances and earned an astronomical $20,000 a month. Adams was rarely seen in public outside the theatre, and it is unlikely that Peter Marié knew her personally. He probably commissioned this miniature from a publicity photograph.

SignedSigned at left: "Clausen Coope / 1902"

MarkingsStamped on reverse of case: "BLACK, STARR & FROST / STERLING"; inscribed on card within case: "Mr. J C C"; printed on card within case: "BLACK, STARR & FROST / SUCCESSORS TO / BALL, BLACK & CO / JEWELLERS AND SILVERSMITH[S] / 438 FIFTH AVENUE, COR. 39TH ST / NEW YORK / TELEPHONE 874 - 38TH S..."

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