Beauties Of The Gilded Age: Peter Marie’s Miniatures Of Society Women

Wealthy New York bachelor and socialite Peter Marie (1825–1903) epitomized New York’s high society during the Gilded Age and was known for his courtly manners and hosting intimate soirees at his West Nineteenth Street home. He also was a noted art collector and connoisseur of beautiful women. Between 1889 and 1903, he commissioned portrait miniatures of nearly 300 women he considered the most beautiful among Manhattan’s aristocracy. A selection of these fragile and rarely exhibited portraits are the subject of a fascinating series of rotating exhibitions at the newly renovated and rejuvenated New-York Historical Society, New York City, which owns the Marie collection. On view in a new gallery designed for intimate viewing, these watercolor on ivory likenesses look great and special, which they are. Installments of “Beauties of the Gilded Age: Peter Marie’s Miniatures of Society Women,” will be on view at the society through November 11. The first series of 15 will be shown through March 11.