American Artist: Raphaelle Peale

Portrait miniature attributed to Raphaelle Peale depicting an unknown Federalist era gentleman

Unknown Federalist Era Gentleman
Depicted with a Sky Background

American
circa 1795-1800
in the manner of Raphaelle Peale (1774-1825)*

2 1/2 x 2 7/8 inches (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed in a gilt metal case with plaited hair in a compartment to the reverse

*Stylistically, other than how low the subject is placed on the ivory, this miniature comports strongly with works known to be by Raphaelle Peale (see, for example, a signed miniature by Peale, dated 1801, that sold at auction in 2013). It is likely an early work by Peale, painted while his style was still evolving; but being that it lacks a signature or other identifying mark, it is difficult to make a firm attribution.