James Peale (1749-1831)
Do you think you may own a painting by James Peale? We authenticate, appraise and research all paintings by this great artist.
James Peale was an early American portrait and still life painter and the brother of famous painter Charles Willson Peale. He studied under his brother, learning how to paint from him, and worked in his studio until 1776 when he went to fight for the Continental Army. Shortly thereafter he made captain, fighting battles in Long Island, White Plains and Princeton.
Peale resigned from the army in 1779 and moved to Philadelphia to be with his brother. From then on and through the early 1800’s, Peale devoted himself to painting miniature paintings and portraits. Most of these were created with watercolor on ivory.
However, by 1810, his eyesight began to fail him and Peale then turned to painting large portraits and still life paintings.
It is believed that Peale painted more than 200 miniature watercolors on ivory, and as many as 100 still life paintings. It is also believed that he painted less than 100 full sized portraits, and about 8 historical paintings. However, the number of landscape paintings that Peale painted remains unknown today, and the possibility of many more still life, portraits and miniatures of his existing today unknown is great.
Because there were so many members of the Peale family that were artists, it may be difficult for some to tell which ones were in fact painted by James. However, a skilled art historian and authenticator should be able to distinguish between the works of the two brothers, as well as the works of all of their artist children. Still wondering about a portrait or miniature painting in your family’s estate? Contact us…it could be by James Peale.
