Portraits from the Janus Museum's Collections

Allan Janus (1842 - ?) was a collector of some note, acquiring extensive collections of art objects, photographs, ephemera and curiosities - the latter including a narwhal tusk sold to him as a unicorn's horn. His American Academy of Curiosities, established in his Washington Grove, Maryland cottage was a minor attraction in the 1890's. Regrettably, much of the collection was eventually sold to settle the gambling debts of his descendents. From time to time, the Janus Museum will present selections from the remains of the collections.

This group of unidentified portraits pose something of a mystery. While they seem reminiscent of other, better known works of art, and are obviously from different periods and styles, the paintings all share a common, rather disturbing resemblance. Could these be ancestral portraits of the Janus Family? Only time - and generous monetary support for scholarly research will tell.

Man Dressed as a Pierrot

Artist unknown, school Watteau




Man Sleeping in Bath

Artist unknown, after David




A Courtier

Engraving by Percival Wallingford, circa 1680

The Bearded Eunuch

Artist unknown, c.1860




A Lady of Fashion

Artist unknown, after Ingres


A Gallery of Military Portraiture