| Object ID |
1985.315 |
| Object Name |
Painting |
| Dimensions |
H-43.25 W-33 inches |
| Early Date |
1838 |
| Late Date |
1842 |
| Description |
Luman Preston Norton (1837-1906) was the son of Julius Norton and freat-grandson of Captain John Norton, founder of the Norton Pottery in 1793. This painting is not only one of Field's finest portraits of a young child, it is also significant to the documentation of the Norton family. "Little Lumie" as he is known by those closely associated with the museum, is one of six known portraits of children in which similar carpets appear with large red and green pattern variations on a light brown background. Other characteristics of Field's work, such as the heavy outlining of the face, hands, and arms, as well as having the sitter hold an object, are also evident in this portrait. Although the bird held by Luman is probably carved and painted wood, family tradition states he would not stand still for his portrait unless he was allowed to hold his bird.
Luman was the first college graduate to enter the family business and went into partnership with his father in 1859 when he was 22 years old. He worked with his father until his father's death in 1861 after which he became manager of the Pottery in partnership with Edward Norton, his father's cousin. In 1881 Luman sold his interest in the business to Edward and devoted his energies to his position as President of the Bennington County Savings Bank. |
| Credit |
Purchased with funds from the Joseph H. Colyer Fund |
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