The Mrs. Moses B. Russell (Clarissa Peters) Baby with Rattle and Dog canvas captures the tender innocence of childhood with timeless grace. A softly lit infant in a white gown sits poised beneath rich crimson drapery, sharing a playful moment with a small brown dog. Gentle tones of ivory, rose, and gold lend warmth and intimacy to this refined portrait.
This exquisite wall art brings 19th-century charm into any space, from a serene nursery to a sophisticated living room or study. The Baby with Rattle and Dog canvas print celebrates both artistry and sentiment, making it a captivating focal point for collectors and admirers of classic portraiture alike.
Clarissa Peters, known professionally as Mrs. Moses B. Russell, was a distinguished American miniaturist active in the mid-nineteenth century. Born in 1809 and working primarily in Boston, she became one of the period’s most sought-after creators of small‑scale portraiture. Her works captured the refinement and aspirations of New England families during a time when miniature painting played a vital role in personal remembrance and social identity.
Artistic Style
Mrs. Russell’s style is marked by meticulous brushwork, luminous skin tones, and a gentle modeling of facial features that lends her sitters an intimate, lifelike presence. She favored watercolor on ivory, a demanding medium that showcased her precision and delicacy of touch. Her portraits often exhibit a subtle clarity and warmth, hallmarks that have come to define her contribution to American miniature painting.
Subjects and Themes
Specializing in portrait miniatures, Mrs. Russell portrayed adults and children with equal sensitivity. Her child portraits, in particular, are celebrated for their tenderness and clarity of expression. Sitters are typically rendered against softly diffused backgrounds, allowing attention to rest on the face and the finely detailed clothing. These works served as cherished keepsakes, capturing likenesses at a scale meant for private appreciation.
Legacy and Significance
As one of the few prominent female miniaturists of her era, Mrs. Russell contributed meaningfully to the visibility of women artists in nineteenth‑century America. Working alongside her husband, the painter Moses B. Russell, she helped establish a strong Boston tradition of portrait miniatures during a period when photography was just emerging. Her technique, craftsmanship, and ability to imbue small-scale portraits with a resonant emotional presence have secured her place in the history of American art.
