Unknown, Massachusetts
John L. Gardner Jr., Isabella Stewart Gardner, and Benjamin W. Crowninshield, 1861
Albumen print on card, 6.5 x 9 cm (2 9/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
This horizontal black and white photograph depicts a youthful Isabella Stewart Gardner between her husband Jack Gardner and Benjamin W. Crowninshield. All three are seated. Isabella has light skin with dark hair that is parted in the middle and pulled back into knots in front of a head covering. She wears a long, light-colored dress and holds a decorated hat on her lap. Jack sits to our left of Isabella and has light skin, dark hair parted at the side, and a mustache. He is wearing light-colored pants and a shirt, with an open, dark jacket. He holds a ribboned straw hat on his lap. Both Isabella and Jack look toward us with neutral expressions. Benjamin sits to our right of Isabella and has light skin, dark hair, and a small mustache and beard. He wears a dark cap with crossed swords on the center top of the brim; a long, dark military jacket with white, round buttons; and light-colored pants. Benjamin sits with his legs crossed and gazes off to our right. The background of the photograph is bare, but drapery hangs beside Jack to our left and there is a wall beside Benjamin.
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Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.