This miniature portrait is unsigned, but has been attributed to Thomas E Barratt (1811-?) who was active in Philadephia (1833-1854). In the 1850 census he was living in Dock Ward, Philadelphia, aged 39, gave his occupation as Miniature Painter, and was living with his wife Elizabeth B Barratt and daughter also named Elizabeth. All three were born in England. Living with them were Edward Williams a Performer, and Manual Eyre an Agent, but it is not known what type of performer Williams was. There was also a servant, so Barratt must have been a successful artist at this stage.
The case is engraved on the reverse "Presented to Mrs E S Elder by Joshua Elder". Joshua Elder married Eleanor Sherer (1802-1837) on Mar 12, 1826. See Joshua Elder & Eleanor W Sherer
Both Eleanor and Joshua are buried in Paxtang and it seems likely Joshua was related to the the Joshua Elder who was Pastor of the Presbyterian Church and a slave owner, see Joshua Elder Slave Advertisement
This miniature is illustrated in Wehle, plate XXXV and is also referred in Schidlof, but in both places the sitter is mistakenly referred to as Josiah Elder. Unfortunately, since the photograph was taken for the plate in Wehle, a vertical crack has appeared. 892
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