History:This is a portrait miniature in a gold case. The miniature case has an attached pin on the reverse. This is a bust view with the subject's body turned to the right and his head and eyes directed forward. He is dressed in a black coat, black vest, white shirt, and black cravat. The miniature is attributed to John Wood Dodge. The back is inscribed "Margaret A. L. Harding, from Her Husband Dec. 18, 1856."
Notes:John Harding was born Jan. 5, 1831 and was the son of General William G. Harding. He inherited the extensive farm holdings owned by his father at Belle Meade. He continued to manage the farm, specializing in breeding trotting horses. His first wife Sophia W. Merritt, whom he married in 1853, died in 1855. He married his second wife, Margaret A. L. Owen December 1856. This miniature is thought to have been a wedding gift to his wife, Margaret.
Categories:Portrait paintings; Belle Meade; Horses; Men.
