Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Charles Willson Peale died in 1827; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1897.
In context
Capt. John Gassoway — Charles Willson Peale
The original measures 4 × 3 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 86 at death.
Painted when the artist was 49. The artist lived to 86. 139 of the 221 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Charles Willson Peale (1741–1827) ▲ this work, 1790 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1777 Main working years: 1777–1792 Late works: from 1792
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/charles-willson-peale-capt-john-gassoway-ARA9A2-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Black #010101
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 56.9% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 239 works by this artist, of which 66 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 9 of them, with 2.8% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
Capt. John Gassoway — Charles Willson Peale
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is home to a stunning collection of artworks, including the miniature portrait of Capt. John Gassoway painted by Charles Willson Peale in 1790. This exquisite piece is a testament to Peale's skill as a portrait artist and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a military officer during the late 18th century.
Charles Willson Peale was a renowned American artist known for his portraits of prominent figures, including military personnel, politicians, and socialites. His work is characterized by attention to detail, masterful use of color, and a deep understanding of his subjects. The portrait of Capt. John Gassoway is a prime example of Peale's skill, showcasing the captain's dignified demeanor and intricate uniform.
The painting measures 4 x 3 cm and is rendered in watercolor, a medium that requires great precision and control. The dark blue military jacket with red facings and the hint of white cravat peeking from beneath create a sense of refinement and elegance. The subtle shading on the captain's face lends depth and volume to the portrait, drawing the viewer's eye directly to his features.
The painting is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, which includes works by other notable artists such as Francois Louis Thomas Francia.
Peale's work can be found on AllPaintingsStore.com, where art enthusiasts can discover and purchase handmade oil painting reproductions.
For more information on Charles Willson Peale and his work, visit Wikipedia.
The captivating portrait of Capt. John Gassoway by Charles Willson Peale is a must-see for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its intricate details, masterful use of color, and dignified subject make it a standout piece in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection.
The painting's significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal, offering a glimpse into the life of a military officer during a pivotal moment in American history. As a work of art, it continues to inspire and educate audiences today.
Artist and museum
Born in Chester, United Kingdom
Born: April 15, 1741, Chester, Queen Anne's County, Maryland
Died: February 22, 1827, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Peale’s early life was marked by financial hardship following his father’s death. He apprenticed as a saddler before discovering his passion for art.
He received initial training from John Hesselius and briefly studied with John Singleton Copley, demonstrating an early aptitude for portraiture.
A crucial period in his development was his time studying under Benjamin West in London (1767-1770). This exposure to European artistic trends significantly influenced his style.
Portraiture: Peale is best known for his portraits of prominent figures from the American Revolution, including numerous depictions of George Washington (nearly sixty in total). These portraits are valuable historical documents as well as artistic achievements.
Style: His style evolved over time, initially influenced by West’s Neoclassical approach but later incorporating elements of realism and a desire to capture likeness accurately.
Notable Works:
George Washington (1772): Marked the beginning of his long association with Washington.
The Staircase Group (c. 1795): A striking example of trompe l'oeil, depicting his sons Raphael and Titian as if they were part of the architectural setting.
Peale was a passionate naturalist and scientist, organizing expeditions to study natural history.
He founded Peale's American Museum in Philadelphia (1784), one of the first museums in the United States. It housed botanical, biological, and archaeological specimens.
The museum played a significant role in popularizing science and education in America. He was particularly known for his displays of mastodon bones, acquired through an expedition in 1801.
He taught himself taxidermy to preserve specimens for the museum, demonstrating his diverse skills.
Peale’s work bridges the gap between art and science, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of his time.
His portraits provide invaluable visual records of key figures in American history.
The founding of Peale's American Museum was a pioneering effort that helped establish the museum as an important institution for education and scientific exploration.
He influenced subsequent generations of artists and scientists, contributing significantly to the development of American culture.
His family legacy continued through his sons, including James Peale and Rubens Peale, who also became accomplished artists and contributed to the museum's collection.
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Look closely
Capt. John Gassoway — Charles Willson Peale
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
Statistics about "Capt. John Gassoway" by Charles Willson Peale are on the artwork's Stats page: monthly visits of the artwork, visits of the artist's works, and country and language breakdowns of recent visitors.
"Capt. John Gassoway" by Charles Willson Peale can be viewed as a slideshow on the artwork's Diaporama page.
Charles Willson Peale was 49 years old when creating "Capt. John Gassoway" in 1790. The age is computed from the artist's birth year, 1741.