William C. Preston

George Peter Alexander Healy, William C. Preston, 1842, oil on canvas, 36 x 29 in. (91.4 x 73.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the National Institute, XX112
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
William C. Preston
Artist
Date
1842
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
36 x 29 in. (91.4 x 73.6 cm)
Credit Line
Transfer from the National Institute
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — Preston, William C. — waist length
  • Occupation — political — statesman
Object Number
XX112
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/XX112

Artwork Description

William Preston of South Carolina was one of several senators who nearly derailed the founding of the Smithsonian Institution. James Smithson, illegitimate son of England’s Duke of Northumberland, was a noted natural scientist. His considerable fortune went to the United States government in 1835 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Like many of his fellow senators, William Preston argued against accepting Smithson’s gift, insisting that the United States should not take such a substantial amount of money from an English aristocrat. Preston was won over, however, and, with President Andrew Jackson's support, Congress voted to accept the bequest from Smithson.

Exhibition Label, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2006