Subject: Miniature painting

Oil painting miniature portrait on ivory of Abigail Lopez Gomez (1771-1851), circa 1790. The portrait is in an original gold locket. Abigail Lopez was the daughter of Aaron Lopez, a prominent Jewish merchant in Newport, Rhode Island. It is believed to be her engagement portrait to Isaac M. Gomez.

Oil miniature on ivory of an unknown sitter, signed 'S. Polack.' Solomon Polack (1757-1839) was a Jewish artist born in The Hague who worked in Dublin and London from 1790 to 1835. He frequently exhibited at the Royal Academy and, in addition to miniature painting, designed and etched plates for a Hebrew Bible.

Watercolor miniature portrait of Judah Touro (1775-1854), painted by Adolph D. Rinck (French, c. 1810-1871, active New Orleans, 1840-1871). The miniature is signed mid-right, and a pencil inscription identifying the artist and sitter is on the reverse of the frame. It measures 3 1/4 in. x 2 1/2 in. and is in a period frame. The miniature is believed to have been painted from life, and two other portraits by the same artist were copied from it. Provenance: Gaspar Cusachs Collection, loaned to the Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans, LA (c. 1909-2016). Judah Touro was a well-known 19th-century New Orleans merchant and philanthropist who relocated from Newport, Rhode Island in 1801. He was known for his generosity, often donating anonymously. The miniature captures Touro's expression and attire, reflecting his means while emphasizing his humility. The Neoclassical style, with fine brushwork and smooth shading, is beautifully suited to the subject.