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Lot Essay
John Neagle, one of Philadelphia's most celebrated portrait artists of the first half of the 19th Century, began his training as an apprentice under the tutelage of Thomas Wilson. Wilson was a well-known sign and coach painter in Philadelphia, whose connections enabled Neagle to meet many of the prominent artists of the time, including Bass Otis and later Thomas Sully. Developing his artistic foundation while studying under Bass, Neagle was focused portraiture. By 1815-16, Neagle was producing small portraits and winning much renown. By 1818, Neagle had dedicated himself exclusively to portraiture.
In 1823, Neagle exhibited an oil study of the Seneca chief and orator, Red Jacket. This single work attracted the attention of prominent connoisseurs and immediately, Neagle found his studio teeming with people from the press and local patrons alike.
Red Jacket, or Sagoyewatha as he came to be known, proved to be a frequent sitter for artists of the time. Several portraits of the famed Wolf clan chief and Peace Medal recipient, an honor bestowed upon him by President George Washington, were produced by artists such as Charles Bird King and George Catlin, among many others.
Despite the fact that Neagle did produce works from private sittings with Red Jacket, this particular work was inspired by a portrait painted by Charles Bird King.
In 1823, Neagle exhibited an oil study of the Seneca chief and orator, Red Jacket. This single work attracted the attention of prominent connoisseurs and immediately, Neagle found his studio teeming with people from the press and local patrons alike.
Red Jacket, or Sagoyewatha as he came to be known, proved to be a frequent sitter for artists of the time. Several portraits of the famed Wolf clan chief and Peace Medal recipient, an honor bestowed upon him by President George Washington, were produced by artists such as Charles Bird King and George Catlin, among many others.
Despite the fact that Neagle did produce works from private sittings with Red Jacket, this particular work was inspired by a portrait painted by Charles Bird King.