Charles Wilson Peale
Charles Willson Peale is best remembered for his portraits of eminent Americans. When he was in his forties, after painting hundreds of portraits of politicians, scientists, and business leaders, Peale established a museum of art and natural history for the American people. The Philadelphia Museum became the first important museum in America. In addition to portraits and natural specimens, the museum featured a complete mastodon skeleton—Peale had directed the dig in New York in 1801.
What does a self-portrait convey that a portrait cannot?
Peale painted this self-portrait in 1822 as a gift to his daughter Sophonisba, and it was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts that year. A note in the accompanying catalogue read, “Painted in the 81st year of his age without spectacles.” This image of the elderly artist-scientist conveys Peale’s intelligence, searching powers of observation, and firm sensibility and idealism.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd
\ Also in this gallery
