Charles Willson Peale (Maryland/Pennsylvania, 1741-1827) watercolor miniature oval bust portrait of David McMechan (Maryland, c. 1754-1810). The sitter is depicted with powdered grey hair, a light blue or gray coat, a white embroidered waistcoat with pink flowers and green leaves, and a white cravat, set against a blue-grey background. Housed in the original rose gold metal case. Unsigned. Miniature measures: 1 15/16" H x 1 1/4" W.

Note: This miniature is documented in Charles Sellers Coleman's "Portraits and Miniatures by Charles Willson Peale." The listing reads: "Son of an immigrant from north Ireland to Virginia, David McMechen settled in Baltimore at the outbreak of the Revolution, figured early in public affairs, becoming an assemblyman and state senator, and amassing a fortune by his law practice. He died July 15, 1810, at about the age of sixty-five. c. 1775. Min. Ivory, 1 11/16 x 1 1/8. Powdered gray hair. Ruddy complexion. Gray coat. White vest embroidered with pink flowers and green leaves. Background blue-gray." A copy of the page listing and book cover is available to the winning bidder. Literature: Sellers, Charles Coleman. 1952. "Portraits and Miniatures by Charles Willson Peale." Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, p. 138, no. 530.

Biographical note: "Charles Willson Peale was one of the most important American artists of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He helped found the first art academies in the United States and forged a uniquely American style of painting. In Colonial-era America, there were few options for men inclined toward the visual arts to receive training in painting, sculpture, and architecture. Charles Willson Peale, born in Maryland in 1745, was a visionary artist who set out to change the artistic landscape of the United States by establishing an academy on American soil so that aspiring artists could be trained at home rather than having to travel to Europe - an expensive and politically undesirable option...In 1794, he established the Columbianum, the first art school in the nation. This 'American Academy of Painting, Sculpture, Architecture and Engraving' enjoyed an opening exhibition at Independence Hall. Though it did not last for very long, it was soon replaced when Peale helped to found the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts ten years later...Peale was also heavily involved in the workings of his own museum, called the Peale Museum, which was the first institution of its kind in America. Opened on July 18, 1789 in Philadelphia, the collection showcased artifacts of natural history alongside portraits of famous Philadelphians." (Source: Woodmere Art Museum)

PROVENANCE: Private Knoxville, TN collection. By family descent through Mrs. John Hemsley Johnson (Emma), whose husband was the great-grandson of John Johnson, Sr., the fourth chancellor of Maryland from 1821-1824. John Johnson Sr. is the 4th great-grandfather of the present owner. A miniature portrait of Johnson, painted by Charles Willson Peale's brother, James Peale, is also featured in this auction. 

Some discoloration to perimeter of miniature with some losses to the background, mid-left margin.