Portrait of Dewitt Clinton 

Rembrandt Peale painted this portrait of Dewitt Clinton sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Clinton was a prominent figure in early American politics, serving as a U.S. Senator and the Governor of New York. The portrait reflects the political milieu of the time. Clinton's stern gaze and formal attire evoke the gravitas expected of leaders in the young republic. This image participates in the construction of a national identity, linking it to enlightenment ideals of reason and virtue. Peale was from a family of artists; he operated within a network of patronage and institutional support. His father, Charles Willson Peale, founded one of the first museums in the United States. Understanding the role of institutions like museums and academies is key to understanding how art was produced and circulated during this era. To fully appreciate this painting, we must delve into the archives, examining letters, newspapers, and other historical documents. These sources provide invaluable context, revealing the complex interplay between art, politics, and society in early America.