Oil on Mahogany
John Trumbull
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1792
Gift of Mr. Edward G. Butler
1953 John Trumbull, one of the most notable early American painters, painted this portrait of Nelly in 1792, when she was 13 years old. Friend Maria Carter, recalling her first meeting with Nelly, wrote that "it was (in 1796) . . . that I first beheld the celebrated Miss Custis whose loveliness of form, mind, and manner I had never seen equaled and never shall see surpassed."

Nelly, the adopted daughter of George Washington, married Lawrence Lewis, fourth child of Fielding and Betty Lewis, in 1799 and made their home at Mount Vernon during the early years of their marriage.

This small portrait measures 3 7/8" x 3"not including the frame.

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Last Updated: January 2, 2008