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
James Peale, Major-General Anthony Wayne, ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, image (oval): 1 341 38 in. (4.53.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.41
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Artwork Details

Title
Major-General Anthony Wayne
Artist
Date
ca. 1795
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
image (oval): 1 341 38 in. (4.53.4 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — Wayne, Anthony — bust
  • Occupation — military — general
  • Dress — uniform — military uniform
Object Number
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.

Works by this artist (16 items)

James Peale, Portrait of a Gentleman, 1793, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Margaret Brennan, 2012.21
Portrait of a Gentleman
Date1793
watercolor on ivory
Not on view
James Peale, Portrait of a Lady, 1817, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift from the Trustees of the Corcoran Gallery of Art (Museum Purchase, Gallery Fund), 2020.20.235
Portrait of a Lady
Date1817
oil on canvas
Not on view
James Peale, Elizabeth Knapp, 1802, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Catherine Walden Myer Fund, 1937.11.1
Elizabeth Knapp
Date1802
watercolor on ivory
Not on view
James Peale, John Tower, 1806, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.35
John Tower
Date1806
watercolor on ivory
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Unidentified, Portrait of a Gentleman with Initials H. D. C., ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Muller, 1980.95.1
Portrait of a Gentleman with Initials H. D. C.
Artist
Unidentified
Dateca. 1795
watercolor on ivory
Not on view
Unidentified, Portrait of a Lady, late 18th century, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.63
Portrait of a Lady
Artist
Unidentified
Datelate 18th century
watercolor on ivory
Not on view
Charles Willson Peale, Caldwell Sister, ca. 1782, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.31.1
Caldwell Sister
Dateca. 1782
watercolor on ivory
Not on view
Archibald Robertson, Brother-in-law of Mrs. Alexander Rose, ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Catherine Walden Myer Fund, 1933.7.2
Brother-in-law of Mrs. Alexander Rose
Dateca. 1795
watercolor on ivory
Not on view