Browse Items (9 total)

This portrait of Benjamin Franklin highlights his study of ”useful knowledge.” Franklin is surrounded with books, papers and a bust of Sir Isaac Newton, linking Franklin to a distinguished tradition of natural philosophers. While Franklin’s right…

Profile portrait of Joseph Priestley, white on green jasper dip. ”PRIESTLEY” at bottom. ”Wedgwood/O” on back. After c. 1776 bust by Giuseppe Ceracchi.

Profile bas-relief portrait of Benjamin Franklin in a fur hat, white on green jasper dip. ”Franklin” and ”Wedgwood/o” on back. After 1777-1779 model (possibly), which is after 1777 ”fur cap” medallion by Jean-Baptiste Nini.

Gilbert Stuart’s iconic image of George Washington is familiar to many viewers as the face on the one-dollar bill. Stuart called it his ”hundred dollar bill” portrait, after the amount he charged for each replica. Stuart was praised for accurately…

To complete this portrait of Thomas Jefferson commissioned by the United States Military Academy, Thomas Sully stayed for twelve days at Monticello, making sketches and painting the half-length study seen here. Jefferson was concerned that the…

Younger brother of Benjamin Vaughan, John Vaughan settled in Philadelphia in 1782 and became a member of the American Philosophical Society in 1784. He served variously as secretary, treasurer, and librarian of the Society. A wine merchant, John…

This miniature Battersea enamelware portrait depicts New York statesman and diplomat John Jay. He participated in both Continental Congresses, helping to draft the “Address to the People of Great Britain,” which justified the American Revolution.…

Joseph Priestley was an outspoken minister and one of the founders of rational Unitarianism. He was also a renowned natural philosopher, who is perhaps most famous for discovering oxygen. He developed innovative teaching methods at Warrington…

Samuel Vaughan married Sarah Hallowell, the daughter of the King's Naval Commissioner in Boston, in 1750. The couple moved to Jamaica, where Benjamin was born, and later moved back to their house in London. In all, they had eleven children. A patriot…