We perform Matthew Harris Jouett art authentication, appraisal, certificates of authenticity (COA), analysis, research, scientific tests, full art authentications. We will help you sell your Matthew Harris Jouett or we will sell it for you.

Matthew Harris Jouett was an early American painter born in Mercer County, Kentucky. He was born into a family of military heroes and was originally schooled in law; however, Jouett spent much of his time painting and drawing and developed a love for the arts. Jouett was called to action in the War of 1812 and was appointed as a captain after serving in the 28th Infantry.

After serving in the war, Jouett taught himself how to paint, in particular, studying and composing portraits and miniatures. In 1816, he left for Boston to study under Gilbert Stuart for four months. Later that year, he returned to Kentucky and began to gain notoriety as a prominent portrait painter. He painted not only in Kentucky but as far south as New Orleans as well. Jouett was one of many artists who spent their winters in New Orleans and was said to have been one of the first American painters of the West as well.

During his lifetime, it is thought that Jouett painted over 300 portraits of wealthy and prominent sitters all over the United States as well as paintings of the ever-growing middle class. Many of his portraits now hang in public and private collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

One of Jouett’s best known paintings of Lafayette now hangs in the Kentucky Capital Building. Still wondering about a family heirloom portrait hanging in your home? Contact us…it could be by Matthew Harris Jouett.