Nathaniel Pearce 1795

Edward Greene Malbone made this miniature watercolor on ivory of Nathaniel Pearce in America. It presents us with a chance to reflect on the relationship between art, status, and individual identity in the early American Republic. Malbone was known for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his sitters, and his miniatures were highly sought after by the wealthy and influential members of society. Pearce’s dress and the very fact of him having his portrait made suggests that he belongs to this elite class. But what does it mean to have your image circulated in this way? As historians, we can look to sources such as letters, diaries, and financial records to learn more about the lives of both the artist and the sitter, and to gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context in which this artwork was created.