Colonel James Elliott McPherson 1819

Charles Fraser's 1819 miniature portrait, "Colonel James Elliott McPherson," is a striking example of the artist's skill in capturing likeness and detail. Executed in watercolor on ivory, the work showcases McPherson in a formal setting, with a focused gaze and a refined demeanor. The painting's small size, typical of miniature portraits, underscores its intimacy and personal nature. Fraser was a prominent artist in Charleston, South Carolina, known for his portraiture and landscape paintings. This miniature, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the artistic practices and social customs of the early 19th century.