The Peales and the New Nation

Whereas most early Americans kept genealogical records in the family Bible, Charles Willson Peale used this dictionary of painters to document family names and birth dates. Many of his 17 children were named after artists found in these pages.

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While studying art in London, Charles Willson Peale called upon Benjamin Franklin uninvited. Peale accidentally witnessed the well-known flirt engaging in promiscuous behavior with a lady. Instead of leaving, Peale secretly sketched the scandalous scene for future generations.

APS. Peale-Sellers Family Collection.

This portrait of Washington is a copy of a previous portrait done by Charles Willson Peale in 1787. James made it his own, however, by placing Washington at Yorktown and adding the two admiring Peale brothers over Washington’s shoulder.

Independence National Historic Park Collection, Philadelphia, PA.

In 1782, James Peale married Mary Claypoole, who came from a family of revolutionaries and painters herself. The newlyweds initially lived near Charles Willson and his family on Philadelphia’s Lombard Street.

APS. Gift of Sam Carrier and Susan Kane.

As a captain in the Revolution, James Peale fought in many important battles, including Trenton and Princeton. When he wasn’t fighting, James found time to sketch scenes from the field.

APS. Peale-Sellers Family Collection.

This map depicts British and American troop positions during the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn. Charles Willson Peale was not stationed there himself, but his brother James participated in the American defeat.

APS. Peale-Sellers Family Collection.

Charles Willson Peale completed this self-portrait during the British occupation of Philadelphia.  He proudly wears his Pennsylvania militia uniform and a captain’s gold braid on his hat. Peale sketched military scenes and painted his fellow officers throughout the war.

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Here, Charles Willson Peale depicted General Washington and himself gazing out across New Jersey’s Raritan River. In the distance, British troops hoping to take Philadelphia clashed with American forces at the Battle of Short Hills.

APS. Peale-Sellers Family Collection.

David Rittenhouse was a prominent early American scientist who also served as President of the American Philosophical Society  from 1791-1796. As a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly and Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, his portrait was featured in Peale’s gallery.

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Robert Patterson was a mathematics professor at the University of Pennsylvania and President of the American Philosophical Society from 1819-1824. He encouraged Peale’s plans for a public museum, and even donated the first specimen: a paddlefish.

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The Peale family home was located at 3rd and Lombard Streets. The long structure in the center held Peale’s portrait gallery and featured America’s first skylight.

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In 1794, Peale solicited support from high-powered public figures  to expand his museum. George Washington, John Adams, James Monroe, 87 U.S. Congressmen, and other American leaders responded to the call by purchasing annual museum passes.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania.