Thomas and Henry Sergeant 1787

Charles Willson Peale painted this portrait of Thomas and Henry Sergeant, likely sometime around the turn of the 19th century. Here we have the sons of a wealthy family, posed in a way that represents their social standing. The dog, often a symbol of loyalty and companionship, can also be read as a marker of class, as hunting dogs were luxury items in the United States at this time. Peale was an active participant in the American Revolution and portraits like this one reveal how social hierarchies were maintained and reproduced in the new Republic. Looking at portraits through the lens of social history can provide insight into the values and power structures of the past. We can consult period documents, letters, diaries, and financial records to reveal more about the subjects and the artist. These resources help us to understand the complex relationship between art, patronage, and society.