Samuel Mifflin

Charles Willson Peale

1777–80 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

Samuel Mifflin (1724–1781), an affluent Philadelphia businessman, commissioned this portrait and its pendant (22.153.2) in 1777. An ardent patriot, he commanded three artillery battalions and served on Pennsylvania’s Council of Safety during the Revolutionary War. He also contributed a large sum to the fund established to equip George Washington’s army. This work shows the strong influence of John Singleton Copley. Like Copley, Peale conveyed an impression of importance by means of a sumptuous setting and a firm and frank presentation of the sitter’s portly person. The glimpse of sea and ship through the window alludes to Mifflin’s mercantile success.

Artist

Charles Willson Peale

Date

1777–80

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Egleston Fund, 1922