1808-1809

Portrait of Anna Claypoole Peale

Rembrandt Peale

American, 1778 - 1860

Rembrandt Peale’s portrait of his cousin Anna, one of James and Mary Claypoole Peale’s six children, was likely painted to commemorate her eighteenth birthday in March 1809. Her deep blue eyes, defined lips, and tousled hair accentuate this small, vivid likeness.

Rembrandt had arrived in Paris to paint and study in the summer of 1808 but returned to Philadelphia in the late fall due to political turmoil. Having completed a group of exceptional portraits of French artists, scientists, and authors for the Peale Museum, he reopened his Philadelphia studio and painted portraits with a new sense of drama and assuredness inspired by his experience of European art.

Anna learned miniature painting from her father, James. Although Rembrandt’s career focused on oil portraiture and history painting, he was also an artistic mentor and resource for commissions as Anna became one of America’s earliest successful professional women artists.