Lot 424: SAMUEL F. B. MORSE 1791-1872

THOMAS ADDIS EMMET (1764-1827)
painted circa 1820. unlined; appears to retain original frame and stretcher. A paper label attached to the stretcher states: Thomas Addis Emmet (1764-1827) Irish painter, lawyer, and Attorney-General for the state of New York, 1812. Received from The New York Law Institute through Miss Lydia Field Emmet, 1946.

30 in. by 25 in.

oil on canvas

The Smithsonian Institution, The National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.

Emmett was Attorney General for the State of New York and a good friend of Hugh Maxwell (see following lot). On his death in 1873, Maxwell left this portrait and his silver vase to the New York Law Institute.

Throughout his legal career. Thomas Emmet was involved in questions of constitutional and international law, and appeared often before the Supreme Court of the United States, arguing before John Marshall, who presided as Chief Justice from 1801-1835.A commemorative pillar for Emmet was erected at St. Paul's Church on lower Broadway in New York City.



For further information on Emmet, see History of the Bench and Bar of New York, Volume II, New York History Company, Nassau Street, 1897, pp. 319-320.