Portrait Bust of Abby Durfee Kinsley (1800-1897)

c. 1880

Abby Durfee Kinsley, wife of Rufus Bing Kinsley, was the great aunt of artist Mabel Norman Cerio and the aunt of Mabel's mother, Abbie Kinsley Norman (Mrs. George H. Norman). Kinsley adopted Abbie Kinsley Norman when she was young. She was sculpted, likely by neoclassical sculptor Richard Greenough, while he was living in Newport.

The Newport Art Museum has a long-standing connection with the Norman family. In 1928, Mabel Norman Cerio established the Abbie Kinsley Norman Lecture Fund in memory of her mother. "It was Mrs. Cerio's desire that the income be devoted as far as practical to the paying of distinguished European speakers who from time to time visit this country. The idea being to strengthen the bonds that exist between the Arts and Sciences of all nations which are the most potent of the forces to promote that universal peace to which we all aspire." (From Art Association of Newport, Annual Report, 1929)

While the funds from Mabel Norman Cerio have long since been depleted, the winter lecture series continues, broadened by knowledgeable speakers who address issues of worldwide significance

Newport

Marble on heavy walnut pedestal

overall: 25 in x 28 in x 17 in

Gift of Messrs. Julian and Edward Boit

1966.002.001