In the Attic

Join us as we explore items in our collections both on and off display. Every other week we will feature a new-old item and share its story. We’re honored to be the repository for such wonderful Brewster treasures and thank our generous donors past and present for entrusting them to our care.

In the Attic - Portrait Jewelry

November 9, 2021 Brewster Historical

Close up images of jewelry pieces from the Sea Captains oil portraits currently on display at the Captain Cobb House Museum.

Jewelry pieces in the 16th – 19th c. historic period were used to show the wealth of the wearer and as a symbol of social status, religious, and other affiliations. They were symbols of strong identifying ideals. Jewels were especially used in the portraits in that era, which show the customs and the fashions of the time. An emerging class of wealthy merchants and industrialists arose in the United States. The bourgeoisie became concerned with clearly communicating their good taste, the new approach to evaluating class.