The Studious Youth (Master Edward Appleton)

Miniaturist Sarah Goodrich (also referred to as Sarah Goodridge) lavished attention to detail in this tiny image of her precocious nephew reading. She realized the marbleized book cover and the play of light and shadow on the collar with delicate and precise brushwork. The composition was prophetic: Edward Appleton graduated from Harvard University at age nineteen to become a civil engineer and library trustee.

Using skills developed during a brief education in drawing, Goodrich had set out making portraits in chalk and watercolor on paper. Before long, however, she sought instruction in the exacting techniques required for watercolor on ivory miniatures. The counsel of Gilbert Stuart greatly advanced her abilities.

Goodrich became one of the most sought-after miniaturists in Boston between 1820 and 1840 for paintings like this one. She was a professional, making two miniatures a week to support members of her family. Although portrait miniatures were generally for private contemplation, the ambitious Goodrich likely created this masterful painting expressly for exhibition at the Boston Athenaeum.