Artist/Maker
Anthony Meucci
(active 1818-1837)
Depicted
Pierre Toussaint
(ca. 1781-1853)
Pierre Toussaint (ca. 1781–1853)
ca. 1825
Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America
Watercolor on ivory
Overall: 3 1/4 × 2 5/8 in. (8.3 × 6.7 cm)
Gift of Miss Georgina Schuyler
1920.4
Born in slavery in Santo Domingo, Haiti, Pierre Toussaint was brought to New York about 1797 by Jean Bérard, a wealthy French landowner. When Bérard returned to Haiti and suddenly died, leaving his young widow in New York without means, Toussaint took care of her until her death. He supported her as well as his own family by becoming one of the most successful and fashionable hairdressers in New York City.
SignedSigned at right: "Meucci"
ClassificationsMINIATURES
Collections
- Painting Highlights
- Collection Highlights
- Underground Railroad
