Artwork
Jonathan Pinkney, Jr.
Jonathan Pinkney, Jr. is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist James Peale. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
No specific exhibition history or provenance timeline beyond its current location and creation date is provided in the source material.
The miniature portrait of Jonathan Pinkney, Jr. by James Peale is dated to 1798, as recorded in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection entry. Peale’s work depicts Pinkney, Jr. in a portrait genre, executed in watercolor on ivory. The painting has remained in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art since its acquisition, with no documented changes in ownership prior to its institutional custody.
The portrait of Jonathan Pinkney, Jr., painted by James Peale in 1798, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Classified within the American Wing, the work is a watercolor on ivory measuring 7.9 by 6.4 centimeters. While the specific inventory or accession number is not detailed in the available records, the piece is cataloged under the museum's holdings and depicts the male subject.
No specific exhibition history or provenance timeline beyond its current location and creation date is provided in the source material.
Context
The portrait of Jonathan Pinkney, Jr., executed by James Peale in 1798, is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s American Wing, a location that reflects its recognition within scholarly studies of early American visual culture. According to the museum’s catalogue and the work’s Wikidata record, the watercolor on ivory is classified as a portrait and forms part of the museum’s permanent collection, indicating its relevance to the historiography of post‑revolutionary portraiture. Peale’s authorship connects the piece to the broader tradition of American portrait painters of the period, underscoring its significance in the development of the nation’s artistic legacy.
Overview
James Peale created this watercolor-on-ivory portrait, Jonathan Pinkney, Jr., in 1798. The miniature depicts its namesake subject in a formal presentation, characteristic of the era's portraiture. This artwork is part of the American Wing collection and exemplifies the detailed craftsmanship associated with Peale's work in small-scale formats.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents Jonathan Pinkney, Jr. seated, adorned in period attire. The artist meticulously rendered details such as his hair and various accessories, contributing to the work's overall interest. Peale achieved a high degree of realism in the subject's face, capturing the texture of his skin and the subtle nuances of his delicate features, which suggests a careful study of the sitter.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor on ivory, this miniature demonstrates the artist's proficiency in a demanding medium. James Peale was recognized for his skill in creating such small-scale works, which allowed for the precise depiction of fine details. The delicate brushwork and realistic rendering align the portrait with characteristics often found within the American folk art tradition of the late eighteenth century.
Artist & collection
Artist
James Peale (1749 – May 24, 1831) was an American painter, best known for his miniature and still life paintings, and a younger brother of noted painter Charles Willson Peale.
