This portrait of a six-year-old reader captures Margaret Heywood Hamilton (1878-1884), the cherished youngest daughter of Detroit's David and Martha Pegram Hamilton. Her young life ended tragically in the spring of 1884 due to peritonitis, likely from a ruptured appendix.
In 1889, following her husband's passing, Martha Hamilton commissioned Lewis T. Ives to create this enduring portrait of Margaret. The painting prominently features a brooch with Raphael's cherub, a poignant choice likely meant to symbolize Margaret's innocence and eternal purity.
Lewis Ives was undoubtedly familiar with this iconic image, possibly having seen the original during his 1885 European tour with his son, Percy, which included a stop in Dresden, Germany. – By Barb Thumudo, Director of Art & Facilities
This painting will be on display through June as part of our Heritage Hall exhibit Behind the Canvas: A Father’s Presence.
