American Artist: Carl Weinedel

Early Nineteenth Century Gentleman
of Staunton, Virginia

American
dated December 26, 1820
by Carl Weinedel (ca. 1794-1845)

(Signed, lower left edge, "painted by Weinedel";
and further inscribed in a note to the reverse,
"painted by Weinedel / Staunton December 26th / 1820")

1 1/2 x 1 13/16 inches (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed under glass in a gilt copper surround
that was originally set within an ebonized paper mâché frame

This portrait is one of the earliest works by Weinedel known to have
survived to the 21st century. It also offers new insight into Weinedel's
itinerant travels, as a note by the artist himself indicates that it was painted in
Staunton, Virginia, where his presence has thus far not been documented.

A view of the portrait outside its case, allowing its colors and
brush strokes to be seen more clearly without the distortion or
reflection typically caused by the glass lens of a miniature's case
(Click + symbol above for an enlarged view)

A closeup view of the artist's signature, as appears on
the lower left edge of the portrait miniature.

A view of the backing paper housed in the case behind the
portrait miniature, on which a note in the artist's own handwriting
indicates that it was painted in Staunton, Virginia on December 26, 1820.