George William Fairfax 1816

This miniature portrait, created in 1816 by Joseph Wood (1778-1830), depicts George William Fairfax. Wood, a noted American miniaturist, captured Fairfax's likeness in a delicate and detailed style. The intimate scale and oval format were popular for portrait miniatures of the period, reflecting the personal nature of this art form. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the life of Fairfax and the artistic practices of the early 19th century in America.