Andrew Caldwell
probably 1805 - 06
Unlike his brother Raphaelle, whose still life painting hangs nearby, Rembrandt Peale succeeded as the next in the Peale line to advance the practice of portraiture in Philadelphia. Caldwell became a subject not long after young Peale had established his first studio. To attract clients, Rembrandt hung portraits of the national leaders who sat for him, and Caldwell must have been appropriately impressed. Rembrandt's precise technique-like his namesake, he had studied Dutch portraiture-made for especially realistic portrayals. Business records refer to Caldwell only as a "gentleman." He was known to be of delicate constitution, "weak in body but of sound mind and memory," and he died in July 1806, probably not long after this portrait was made.
Oil on canvas
25 1/2 x 22 in. (64.77 x 55.88 cm)
Gift of Helen Louise Rottler in memory of Clarence T. Rottler
89.184