Brunk Auctions Highlights Charles Willson Peale’s Miniature Portrait of George Washington

Known for his artistic works during the American Revolutionary War era, Charles Willson Peale’s (1741 – 1827) most notable work was Sitting of 1779. This full-length portrait of General George Washington at Princeton can be found at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. The positive response to the commissioned painting meant Peale had as many orders for replicas as he could make. One of these miniature replicas is being offered by Brunk Auctions in an upcoming sale. The miniature watercolor is pinned to the silk lining of a leather case. On the opposite side of the case is a one-inch locket of hair, presumably George Washington’s hair. Peale’s studio desk and its assorted contents are also included with this lot.

Lot 908, Charles Willson Peale, Rare and Important Portrait Miniature of General George Washington, c. 1785

A Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier painting of the Van der Velde brothers, a United States of America map by William Faden, a Cartier turquoise and diamond brooch with matching ear clips, and a U.S. Springfield Model 1873 rifle are also among the items highlighted in the upcoming auction. Visit Bidsquare for the complete catalog and to view more online auctions.