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IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
Artist
Charles Willson Peale, 15 Apr 1741 - 22 Feb 1827
Sitter
John Laurens, 28 Oct 1754 - 27 Aug 1782
Date
1780
Type
Painting
Medium
Watercolor on ivory
Dimensions
Ivory: 3.8 x 2.9cm (1 1/2 x 1 1/8")
Topic
Miniature
John Laurens: Male
John Laurens: Military\Army\Officer\Revolution
John Laurens: Politics and Government\Diplomatic Agent
Portrait
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquired with the generous support of an anonymous donor. Conserved with funds from the Smithsonian Women's Committee
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
NPG.2009.111
Exhibition Label
Born Charleston (formerly Charles Town), South Carolina
Serving as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington, John Laurens demonstrated bravery, even recklessness, in battle. Taken prisoner in May 1780, he commissioned this tiny portrait in Philadelphia following his parole, probably as a memento for his wife, who was living in England with their young daughter. In 1781, Laurens obtained France’s commitment to station a fleet off the American coast, enabling Washington’s army to defeat the British forces at Yorktown.
Provenance
(Neal Auction Company, New Orleans, 21 and 22 November 2009, lot 229); purchased 2009 NPG
