Unlike the other two portraits by Staigg, this ivory is not inscribed. It probably dates from the same period, ca. 1840. She is portrayed as a kindly matron, and is described in a family genealogy as ". . . bright in intellect, gentle and courteous in manner, kind and charitable to all."
All three miniatures of the Thurstons appear to have been painted in Newport, and there is no evidence that the artist or sitters ever came to Charleston.
Notes:
This text is adapted from Martha Severens "The Miniature Portrait Collection of the Carolina Art Association" published by the Carolina Art Association, 1984
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