New American Additions in 2026

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This miniature was offered a a "British miniature", but in being purchased, it was the opinion of this collector it was more likely an American miniature, painted c. 1775-80, which was later rehoused in imported British casework of around 1800. In the Met catalogue, there are similar rehoused examples, including on page 63, one by Nathaniel Hancock.

The miniature here, (ds 1526) is possibly by Hancock, but it also has similarities with miniatures of c.1775-80, painted by Charles Willson Peale. It has stronger colouring than most CWP miniatures, which often have a more blue colouring, due to fading and a fugitive red pigment, but may possibly have been re-touched at the time it was rehoused. Another, less likely artist is John Ramage, as his miniatures are more usually painted with the sitter in a left-facing profile.

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Next is an American miniature, which after arrival, has been attributed to Anson Dickinson (1779-1852), it being in a typical red case of around 1835, ds 1531.

 

 

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This miniature is also believed to be American, probably from the Boston area, judging by the framing. The artist is less certain, but it may be by Daniel Dickinson (1795-1977). ds 1532. 

The reverse has a hard to read note, needing more research, but appearing to read;

"Nicholas Fischer, son of Johann Seigfried. Fischer of Seliganne, Dobre (?) Bova set (?), Nauteo 1719 (?)."

 

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Another American miniature is attributed to Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827) ds 1534. The miniature has the typical blue toning of many CWP miniatures, and the reverse has a short, stuck on, note reading; "Capt. Loring RN. Mary Macneal of Ugadale.".

The previous owner, did not know the artists, and had assumed the miniature was a portrait of Admiral Sir John Wentworth Loring, KCB, KCH (13 October 1775 – 29 July 1852) a Royal Navy officer of the early nineteenth century, best known for his service in the Napoleonic Wars as a frigate commander. Born in the Thirteen Colonies at the outbreak of the American War of Independence, Loring's family fled to Britain and he subsequently joined the Royal Navy aged 13. In 1793, aged 17, Loring was badly wounded in combat at the start of the French Revolutionary Wars. He subsequently served throughout the following 23 years of warfare between Britain and France, and eventually became a full admiral. (Wikipedia)

John Wentworth Loring was born in October 1775 at the start of the American War of Independence to Joshua Loring, High Sheriff of Massachusetts. John's grandfather, Joshua Loring, had served in the navy in the Seven Years' War, commanding a squadron on the Great Lakes. The Loring family were Loyalists, and were ultimately forced to flee to Britain. In 1789, 13-year-old John Loring joined the Royal Navy, serving in HMS Salisbury before joining HMS Victory at the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars. (Wikipedia)

 

However, this collector doubted the portrait was of that sitter, as it appeared to be painted c.1775-80, when John Wentworth Loring would have been aged only 5. 

 

Instead, the note on the reverse was researched online, leading to this collector's belief the miniature actually depicts Joshua Loring (1716-81), the grandfather of John Wentworth Loring. The left above portrait of Joshus Loring Sr. wearing a navy uniform, has obvious similarity with the CWP miniature. That portrait of Commodore Joshua Loring, Jamaica Plain by Way of London — is owned by Jamaica Plain Historical Society.

There is a long Wikipedia reference to Joshua Loring Sr. which is helpful, but is unfortunately illustrated with a portrait of his son, Joshua Loring Jr. (.1744-89), which depicts Joshua Loring Jr. wearing a red British army uniform, whereas Joshua Loring Sr. was in the Royal Navy and so wore a blue uniform. 

 Loring's eldest son, Joshua Loring, Jr., served as high-sheriff in Suffolk County, Massachusetts[ and was Commissary General of American prisoners-of-war in New York from 1777 until 1783. Together with William Cunningham, he was held responsible for the deaths from starvation and disease of thousands of Americans held prisoner on ships moored in New York Harbor. "[B]ut it is not easy to ascertain the truth, or to determine his personal responsibility in the treatment of prisoners." He was discharged from his office on the grounds of corruption and departed for England, where he died in 1789. Joshua Loring, Jr's son, John Wentworth Loring, served in the Royal Navy and rose to the rank of admiral." 

The Loring family tree shows the connection between Joshua Loring Sr. and Mary Macneal of Ugadale. An abbreviation of the descendants in the Joshua Loring family tree at;   

Joshua Loring (1716-1781) - WikiTree

includes; 

John Loring (abt 1759 - 16 Nov 1808) m. Mary McNeal (02 Apr 1761) on 27 Apr 1795.

1. Mary Eliza (Loring) MacNeal (29 May 1802 - 25 Dec 1861) m. George MacNeal (abt 1793 - 23 Feb 1861) on 26 Dec 1821.
1. Hector MacNeal (10 Jul 1822 - 02 Oct 1905) m. Constance Glencairn Campbell (16 Jul 1839 - 02 Jan 1912) on 27 Mar 1862.
1. Mary Henrietta (MacNeal) Greenlees (20 Feb 1871 - 1917) m. Daniel Colville Greenlees (05 Mar 1869 - 11 Mar 1931) on 1896.

 Hence the note on the reverse of the CWP miniature "Capt. Loring RN. Mary Macneal of Ugadale.".refers to Mary Eliza (Loring) Macneal, marrying George Macneal on 26 December 1821.

 The FindaGrave link for George Macneal, Esq. (1793-1861), of Ugadale, confirms his marriage to Mary Eliza Loring Macneal; 

George MacNeal (1793-1861) - Memorials