Major-General Anthony Wayne

James Peale, Major-General Anthony Wayne, ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.41
Copied James Peale, Major-General Anthony Wayne, ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, image (oval): 1 3⁄4 x 1 3⁄8 in. (4.5 x 3.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.41
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Major-General Anthony Wayne
Artist
Date
ca. 1795
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
image (oval): 1 3⁄4 x 1 3⁄8 in. (4.5 x 3.4 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Keywords
  • Dress — uniform — military uniform
  • Occupation — military — general
  • Portrait male — Wayne, Anthony — bust
Object Number
1999.27.41
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.41

Artwork Description

“Mad Anthony” Wayne (1745-1796) was one of the most colorful figures of the American Revolution. His early training as a surveyor came in handy as he guided his troops during the Valley Forge campaign. Following the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Washington sent Wayne into South Carolina to chase the British out, after which he was promoted to major general. He returned home in 1783 and reentered the Pennsylvania legislature, where he had served until 1775. When Washington appointed him commander in chief of the United States Army, Wayne turned to fighting Indian tribes along the Great Lakes, finally achieving peace with the Treaty of Greenville in 1795 before retiring from military service. He chose to be depicted in this miniature in his uniform at the rank of major general, probably as he reentered the legislature.