Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Artist:
Charles Willson Peale, born Queen Anne's County, MD 1741-died Philadelphia, PA 1827  Search this
Sitter:
John Cadwalader  Search this
Medium:
watercolor on ivory
Dimensions:
sight 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 x 1/4 in. (3.9 x 3.2 x 0.5 cm) oval
Type:
Painting-Miniature
Date:
ca. 1788
Luce Center Label:
During the Revolutionary War, General John Cadwalader (1742-1786) commanded troops at the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Princeton. He was much admired by his close friend General George Washington, who referred to him as "a military genius." Washington offered Cadwalader the position of Continental brigadier general, but his friend declined, preferring to become a state legislator in Maryland after the war. When Charles Willson Peale painted Cadwalader's likeness, it was intended to ornament a woman's bracelet, and in fact the original fittings for an ornamental band---similar to today's watchbands---are visible along the sides of the miniature's case.
Topic:
Occupation\military\general  Search this
Portrait male\bust  Search this
Credit Line:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Object number:
1999.27.30
Restrictions & Rights:
CC0
See more items in:
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department:
Painting and Sculpture
Data Source:
Smithsonian American Art Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk74782bdac-be5f-49c1-8f51-142e93b2dca6
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:saam_1999.27.30