Colonel John Cox

Charles Willson Peale, Colonel John Cox, 1778, watercolor on ivory, sight 1 ¹⁄₂ x 1 ¹⁄₈ in. (3.7 x 3.0 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.32

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Artwork Details

Title: Colonel John Cox
Artist: Charles Willson Peale
Date: 1778
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: sight 1 ¹⁄₂ x 1 ¹⁄₈ in. (3.7 x 3.0 cm) oval
Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums: watercolor
Mediums Description: watercolor on ivory
Classifications: Painting
Miniature
Subjects: Occupation — military — colonel
Portrait male — Cox, John — bust
Object Number: 1999.27.32
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.32

Artwork Description

According to George Washington’s diary, Colonel John Cox sat for the finishing touches on this miniature at Valley Forge on April 23, 1778. At the time, Peale was a captain in the same company. Cox took the oath of allegiance at Valley Forge earlier that year, and served as the company’s assistant quartermaster general. A Philadelphia merchant, Cox owned Batsto Furnace in New Jersey, which produced munitions for the Continental army. Conservation of this miniature was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.