Thomas Newton

Artist: Saint-Memin, Charles Balthazar Julien Fevret de
Date: 1806

Thomas Newton was a banker and Congressman from Norfolk, Virginia. While we cannot see any details of his face, his profile does give us a great view of his hairstyle. The ponytail is likely part of a wig, which was very fashionable for a businessman and politician at the end of the 18th century. Wigs were a status symbol. Those who could afford fancy and large wigs gave us the term "bigwig" we use today to describe someone important.



  • Medium: Engraving
  • Support: Paper
  • Dimensions: 3 1/8 In X 2 7/8 In
  • Sitter's Dates: 1769 - 1847
  • Credit: Gift of Mrs. Ashby Farrow
  • Period: 19th century
  • Accession Number: 1992.005.0010
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