MAN'S HEAD, BY JOHN SINGLETON COPLEY
In the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Curiously enough, the first notable miniature painter, Hans Holbein, has remained the undisputed prince of miniature painters. Indeed, it may be said that the birth of miniature painting as an enduring means of expression in art dates from the time of Holbein's arrival in England, in 1526. Following Holbein, Nicholas Hilliard became England's most distinguished exponent of the art—then Richard Cosway and his contemporaries in England, France and Italy. This period, the eighteenth century, marks the introduction of miniature painting into America, where it became popular as an expression of art during and after the Revolution, as large oil portraits had been before.
Charles Willson Peale, the famous painter of George Washington (of whom Peale is said to have painted fourteen portraits) was the best known of his era, many of his miniatures being painted while in camp on the battlefield. His brother James, likewise won a reputation in miniature painting, his work being notable for its extreme delicacy and beauty. We are told that starting life as a carpenter, he was able to make the frames used by both his brother and himself for their portraits and miniatures.
MARTHA WASHINGTON GREENE, BY EDWARD G. MALBONE
In the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
WASHINGTON ALLSTON, BY RICHARD M. STAIGG
In the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
MRS. RICHARD C. DERBY, BY EDWARD G. MALBONE
In the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City