Peale at age 80 acknowledges a solicitation for his autograph; he states that he is, “the only living artist who ever painted Washington from life”.
Autographed letter, signed,
“Philad. Dec. 26, 1857
Mr. Hugh Bradshaw
Dear Sir
As you desire my autograph, at 80 years of age – the only Artist living who ever painted Washington from the life, I give it with pleasure; but to render it to some service to the cause of Temperance, permit me to add, that my hand is now as steady as it was at eighteen – enabling me to paint with undiminished faculty and pleasure.
Respectfully Yours
Rembrandt Peale”
At the age of eighteen, Rembrandt Peale painted his famous portrait of Washington from life as his father, Charles Willson Peale observed.
Washington posed for Charles Willson Peale while in Philadelphia attending the Constitutional Convention. Relying on a long personal association, Peale approached Washington on his son’s behalf in 1795, the President agreed to three sittings.
The young Rembrandt Peale captured the grandeur of Washington; the artist captured the determination and the sheer physical presence, a remarkably fai onstrated a near obsession with Washington and replicated his famous portrait seventy-nine times.
Item Date: 1857
Measurement: Frame: 18.5" x 14.75"; view: 15.5" x 11.75"; letter: 4.75" x 7.5"; GW image: 5" x 6.5"
Item Condition: Fine, archival mounted
Price: $4,950
SKU 232-389
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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