Self-portrait 1789

"Self-portrait" is a miniature painting on ivory by American artist James Peale, created in 1789. The painting depicts Peale in a dark coat with a white cravat, looking directly at the viewer. Peale was a prominent portrait painter of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This small and intimate work showcases the fine detail and delicate brushwork that characterized his portraiture style. The miniature format, common in the 18th century, was often used for personal keepsakes or to be worn as jewelry. Today, this piece is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.