A member of the Boylston family
of Boston by William Lovett, circa 1795.

The identity of the sitter has traditionally been called Zabdiel Boylston (1679-1766) who introduced smallpox inoculation to Boston in 1721. Both the sitter's dates and comparative portraits make this identification untenable. The most likely subject is Nicholas Boylston (1771-1839), the son of Ward Nicholas Boylston and Anne Molineaux. In 1794 he married Elizabeth Bentham (1778-1849).

Set in the original gilt metal locket frame, the reverse with eglomise profile portrait of a gentleman.

1 7/8 inches high.

William Lovett (1773-1801), who died at the age of twenty eight, was the finest artist of his time in Boston. He worked there from 1795-1800, producing a small group of beautiful pieces, three of which may be seen in the Worcester Art Museum. Lovett also worked in Virginia with Benjamin Trott. A group of portraits signed by both artists are in the collection of the Virginia Historical Society. Lovett's influence on Trott is obvious in Trott's later use of the luminous qualities of ivory.

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