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Portrait of James Smith, Treasurer, City of Hoboken. N.d., ca. 1910s-1950s? Pastel from 1890s photo portrait?

Object/Artifact
Portrait of James Smith, Treasurer, City of Hoboken. No date, ca. 1910s? Pastel. Oval; decorative wood frame, 23" wide x 27" high. No signature of artist found. Reverse has framing shop label (Walter Braun, 59-61 Eighth St., Hoboken) which can be dated as early as 1929 (from the seven digit telephone number) and into the 1950s which is more likely by the style of the black-on-gold label. This portrait of Smith (1848-1917) is very similar to a known photograph taken in the 1890s and published in 1900 (see reference image and notes.) He appears a little heavier and older. The major difference between the two is the depiction of the neckwear where he is seen in the photo with a flat cravat typical of the 1890s and the pastel shows a four-in-hand necktie. Whether the portrait was done from later sitting than the photograph is unknown, but it is likely that the photograph was the source used for creation of the pastel artwork. The purpose of the art may have been as a memorial tribute during 1955 which was the celebration of the Centennial of the Incorporation of the City of Hoboken. James was City Treasurer from 1888 to at least 1905 (end date not established); it was an elected position.

2014.028.0001

2014.028

Smith, Anna Corrado

Gift

Gift of Anna Corrado Smith.

1895 - 1955

Date: 1895-1955

Notes: Entry for James Smith with photo portrait on page 234: Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, New Jersey. Cornelius Burnham Harvey, Editor. NY: The New Jersey Genealogical Publishing Company, 1900. ==== JAMES SMITH, Treasurer of the City of Hoboken, N. J., since May, 1888, is the son of James Smith, Sr., and Elizabeth Eaton, and was born in County Meath, Ireland, May 5, 1848. In 1850 he was brought by his parents to America. The family settled in Hoboken, Hudson County, and there Mr. Smith has ever since resided, identifying himself with the growth and advancement of the city and contributing materially to its general welfare. He attended Hoboken Public School No. 1, being one of its first scholars, and finished his studies at St. Francis Xavier College in New York City. Subsequently he engaged in the provision trade in Hoboken, and for thirty years has followed that business with constantly increasing success. In politics Mr. Smith has always been a Democrat. He was elected Treasurer of the City of Hoboken in May, 1888, and by successive re-elections has ever since held that office with great credit and honor to himself and entire satisfaction to the people. That he is popular, trustworthy, and universally respected is attested by the fact that he has had no opposition at the polls since his first election, and even then his opponent for the office was nominated on an independent ticketand polled a very small vote. Mr. Smith has discharged his duties as Treasurer of the city with unceasing fidelity, and with such marked ability and integrity that in 1896 he was the Democratic nominee for the State Treasurership. He is public spirited, enterprising, and patriotic, prompt and exact in the discharge of every obligation, genial and affable in manner, and popular among all who know him. He is a member and one of the founders of the Columbia Club of Hoboken. Mr. Smith married Miss Minnie Judge, whose father was one of the original Police Commissioners of Hoboken. They have three sons and two daughters. ==== ==== Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2014-06-09

pastel from photographic image: James Smith, Hoboken Treasurer
reference image: pg 234, Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties detail photo portrait on page 234 detail frame ornamentation lower edge detail back: framer's label; original screw-eye hanger