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A rare and exceptional mourning portrait ofEleanor "Nelly" Miles Moore (1811–1883)of Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky, fully identified with documented genealogical provenance.Nelly was the wife of James Wardell Moore (1797–1861), who left the South Union Shaker community as a teenager, and sister-in-law to Eldress Nancy E. Moore of South Union Shaker Village.
Nelly is photographed in full black silk mourning dress following the death of her husband,James Wardell Moore (1797–1861), who died April 22, 1861, in Franklin, Kentucky. Victorian mourning protocol required widows to wear full black for two years following a husband's death. This portrait was commissioned within that mourning window, between 1861 and 1863, when Nelly was in her early fifties.
James had deep ties to the South Union Shaker community in Logan County, Kentucky. His family — father Jesse, mother Lucy, and sister Nancy — joined the South Union community sometime between 1811 and 1812. James left on February 5, 1813, while still a teenager. His sister,Nancy E. Moore (1807–1889), chose to remain and became one of the most influential Shaker leaders of the 19th century, rising to the rank of Eldress at South Union Shaker Village — one of the most prominent Shaker communities in the American South. James maintained a close relationship with Nancy throughout his life. James and Nelly married November 24, 1825, in Bullitt County, Kentucky, and were the parents of at least four sons and one daughter, includingRandolph Henderson Moore (1849–1917)of Franklin, Kentucky.
This piece comes with a perfect, unbroken line of direct descent. It was preserved as a cherished family heirloom within the historic estate ofGilbertine "Gibby" Moore (1914–2008)of Franklin, Kentucky, Nelly’s great-granddaughter. A printed family tree documenting the full line of direct descent is included with this purchase.
The portrait hasoriginal hand-applied coloring: soft pink tones to Nelly’s cheeks and light gilding on her brooch, subtle but skilled period work that survives intact after more than 160 years. The image shows gorgeous iridescent deterioration characteristic of aged tintypes, with arainbow-like oxidation pattern along the edgesand corners where the collodion layer has separated from the iron base over time. This creates an otherworldly, luminous border.
Measures approximately 3.25 × 3.75 inches.The tintype is protected by its original cover glass and housed within an ornate single half case with gilt brass scrollwork mat.
Please keep in mind this is an antique item and not new; surface wear consistent with age may be present. Photos are of the actual item you will receive.Please view all photos as they are part of the happy to answer any questions or send additional photos upon request.
Fast handling — ships same or next business day with calculated shipping and tracking. Signature confirmation is required upon delivery. Delivery estimates are determined by USPS based on the service selected. Once accepted by USPS, transit time is outside of seller control.
Note on shipping cost: Calculated shipping reflects actual carrier rates based on this item’s real packed weight and dimensions — I do not inflate shipping costs and want to get your item to you as cost-effectively as possible while ensuring it arrives safely. If actual shipping comes in under the calculated amount, I will refund the difference.
