General John Maunsell (1724/25?-1795)

late 18th century

Tempera on ivory, in gold setting with velvet wristband

Overall: 2 3/8 x 3 x 5/8 in. ( 6 x 7.6 x 1.6 cm )
Part (miniature): 1 9/16 x 1 5/16 in. (4 x 3.3 cm)

Gift of Susan Gillotti in memory of Helen Elizabeth Crosby

2000.108

According to the donor, a descendant of the subject, Maunsell, a British officer born in Limerick, Ireland, married an American, Mrs. Wraxall (née Elizabeth Stillwell), in 1763, and the couple resided in Greenwich Village in a house belonging to Oliver De Lancey. The Maunsells returned to Ireland before the Revolution, but in 1784 they moved back to New York. Maunsell had property in Harlem, in the vicinity of 157th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. Mrs. Maunsell lived there until 1815.

DescriptionOval miniature depicting bust of male subject in costume of British military officer against solid pale gray background; miniature set in gold frame decorated with four loops and beading; black velvet wristband attached to frame.

ClassificationsMINIATURES