The first letter to the Massachusetts senator, dated 1825, January 13, describes the equestrian portrait in detail and expresses Peale's hope that Mills will be able to advocate for the purchase of the painting in Congress; Peale speaks to the issue of national patronage of the arts and expresses the belief that it would enable native artists to "demonstrate their ability....in adding splendour to our National glory." The second letter, dated 1825, January 29, repeats his request for Mills's support.
Collection Restrictions:
The collection has been digitized and is available online via AAA's website.
Collection Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Collection Citation:
Rembrandt and Harriet Peale collection, circa 1820-1932. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Sponsor:
Funding for the processing and digitization of this collection was provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art
