General Henry Knox 1778

Charles Willson Peale’s 1778 miniature portrait of General Henry Knox, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War, exemplifies Peale’s skill as a portraitist and his interest in capturing the likenesses of prominent individuals. This small but detailed painting, held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Knox in his military uniform, highlighting his role as a leader in the fight for American independence. The miniature format was popular in the 18th century, and Peale expertly rendered Knox's features with a focus on realism and capturing the general’s personality, making this work a significant example of early American portraiture.