John Philip de Haas 1772

This oil-on-canvas portrait by Charles Willson Peale, a prominent American artist, depicts John Philip de Haas, a prominent figure in Philadelphia society. The portrait, painted in 1772, showcases de Haas in a dignified pose, wearing a dark brown suit and white stockings. The meticulous detailing of the subject's attire and the inclusion of objects like books and a sword suggest de Haas’s status and intellectual pursuits. Peale’s realist style and focus on capturing the sitter’s likeness are hallmarks of his early work and contribute to the painting's enduring historical significance.