P. F. Ronbeau 1821

Raphaelle Peale, made this miniature watercolor on ivory portrait of P. F. Ronbeau, sometime in the early 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the social and cultural values of the emerging American middle class. The subject's attire and presentation speak to a desire for respectability and social standing, reflecting the values of a new republic still defining its identity. As an object, its small scale suggests intimacy and portability, perhaps intended as a keepsake for family or close friends. Peale was part of a family dynasty of artists who helped to shape American art and visual culture. His father, Charles Willson Peale, founded one of the first museums in the United States, which promoted both scientific knowledge and artistic appreciation. The image thus exists within the context of the development of American art institutions. To fully understand the social dynamics represented, we can turn to period documents such as letters, diaries, and business records, which might shed light on the sitter’s life and social milieu. By studying the material culture of the time, we gain insight into how art both reflected and shaped society.