[Washington, Martha] Engraving of Martha Dandridge Custis As A Young Woman, c. 1910, Engraved by J. Rogers after the painting by John Woolaston, 26 x 19 in., in original gilt frame with original blown glass and original wood backing; engraving is 24 x 31 in. The English artist John Wollaston was in America between 1749 and 1767. During that time, he painted many of the leading figures of the American upper class including the young married lady Martha Dandridge Custis, her husband Daniel Parke Custis, and their children. When nineteen-year-old Martha Dandridge married the very wealthy 38-year-old Custis on 15 May 1750, she moved into the upper echelon of Virginia society. Custis died in 1757, leaving her a widow at the age of 26 with two small children (two other children died at the ages of 3 and 4). Custis died intestate but according to English common law, which prevailed in Virginia at the time, Martha was assured one third of the estate, the other two thirds to go to her children when they became adults. The 26-year-old widow owned some 17,500 acres of land and over 300 slaves. Less than 18 months later, she would marry George Washington. Ex Claude Harkins Collection.
Estimated Value $750 - 1,000
The Claude Harkins Collection of Washingtonia and Other Historical Highlights
