Samuel F. B. Morse. Self-portrait 1812

This oil on canvas self-portrait by Samuel F. B. Morse, painted in 1812, showcases the artist in his youth. The painting depicts Morse in profile, his face turned slightly towards the viewer. His dark hair and the red and green of his academic gown are rendered with meticulous detail, revealing Morse’s early talent as a painter. The self-portrait is a rare glimpse into the life of a young artist who would later become famous for his invention of the telegraph. It now resides at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, USA.