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Silhouette of John Paul Jones

Object numberMO 1962.293
Date1776
Mediumsilhouette: paper (cardstock), ink, paint (watercolor)
frame: wood, paint
Dimensionsframe H 8 1/8 in x W 5 7/8 in x D 7/8 in (20.6 cm x 14.9 cm x 2.2 cm )
image (silhouette) H 4 13/16 in x W 2 5/8 in (12.2 cm x 6.7 cm )

DescriptionA cut-out silhouette of John Paul Jones's head and torso. The left-facing silhouette, with some drawn and painted details, shows Jones wearing a coat.

On the reverse of the silhouette is a handwritten ink note along with the artist’s signature: "Senr. Lieut. John P. Jones / made at Penna. / Jan. 1776. / B. R. /V.G.S. Millette / Nor. 103a."

The silhouette is glazed and framed in a gold-painted 1” wood frame.
Label TextThis silhouette of John Paul Jones is attributed to French silhouette artist Jean Millette though there is some question as to the validity of Millette's existence. If authentic, the silhouette may be the earliest known likeness of John Paul Jones. The silhouette was sent to Franklin D. Roosevelt in January 1934 by Edmund Froese of New York, New York.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Anna Roosevelt Halsted.
Credit LineGift of Anna Roosevelt Halsted
National Archives Catalog SeriesPortraits (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Collections
Non exposé
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