Joaquin Cesar de Figaniere e Morao and Danel J. Desmond

This double silhouette suggests the intersection of the vast geopolitical and religious issues of the time. Joaquin Cesar de Figaniere e Morao stands to the left, as though listening to fellow diplomat Daniel Desmond speak, in these portraits taken months apart. De Figaniere e Morao represented Portugal in the United States, and Desmond served as the U.S. vice-consul to Portugal. In a career that spanned many decades in this and other diplomatic roles, de Figaniere e Morao advocated on Portugal’s behalf regarding treaties, import duties, and other matters. Daniel Joseph Desmond fulfilled similar diplomatic roles for the United States with Austria, Portugal, and Italy. That he was a Catholic likely aided him in securing and filling the position of consul general of the Pontifical States. Desmond also supported Irish causes from his residence in Philadelphia, actively advocating for residents of Ireland to practice Catholicism freely.