Scope and Contents

Considered the earliest surviving post-mortem portrait in North America, this portrait is believed to depict Elizabeth Royall, daughter of Isaac Royall Jr. of Medford, Mass. at the time of her death around 1747. She is shown lying in bed in a nightgown, framed in blue curtains.

Scope and Contents

Paul Cuffee, born in 1759 to a free African father and Wampanoag mother, was one of the most influential black and Native American men of his time. He was a Quaker mariner and merchant, early abolitionist, and established the first racially integrated school in Westport, Mass.

Description and Background Information

A portrait of Mabel Harlakenden Haynes, daughter of Richard Harlakenden of Essex, England; and the second wife of John Haynes (also sometimes spelled Haines), who served as governor of Massachusetts in 1635 and as the first governor of Connecticut in 1639. She is depicted with blonde curls and dark eyes, wearing a pearl necklace and rust satin gown. Also in the Fine Art Collection is the oil portrait of Mabel's neice, Miss Harlakenden (presumed) (R0495).

Description and Background Information Rebecca Rawson was born into privilege in Boston on May 23, 1656, the ninth of twelve children of Edward and Rachel (née Perne) Rawson. Through her mother’s family she was related to the Hooker and Hawley families of New England. Described by her family as “one of the most beautiful, polite, and accomplished young ladies in Boston,” in July 1679 Rebecca married Lord Thomas Haile, the nephew of the lord chief justice of England. With her large dowry in tow, the newlyweds set sail from Boston...

Scope and Contents

A 19th century copy of a 17th century Italian painting, which the donor's family saw hanging in the Pitti Palace. The artist of this copy copied a number of other famous Italian paintings to sell. The painting is a bright harbor scene, filled with ships and bustling docks. Visible in the background is a squat stone fort.