Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.P.5 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Portrait of Robert Maskell Patterson |
Artist |
DuBois, Samuel F. |
Date |
1855 |
Description |
Half-length figure turned slightly to his left. His tight brown curly hair rests in an angular style around his ears; he has brown eyes and eyebrows. He wears a black coat, waistcoat, cravat, and white collared shirt. Brown background. Inscribed on re-backed canvas: "Dr. Robert M. Patterson/ Nat. 1787/Ob. 1854/Painted by Samuel F. DuBois/Jan. 1855. |
Label |
Robert Maskell Patterson, professor of natural philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania and director of the United States Mint, was one of the youngest members of the APS, elected in 1809, when he was 22. He served as the Society's Secretary from 1813-24, Vice-President from 1825-30 and again from 1836-44, and President from 1849 until his death in 1854. This portrait of Robert Maskell Patterson, professor of natural philosophy and director of the United States Mint, was one of the youngest members of the APS, elected in 1809, when he was 22. He served as the Society's Secretary (1813-24), Vice-President (1825-30 and1836-44), and President (1849 until his death in 1854). This portrait of Patterson came to the APS a few months after his death. As with another portrait of Patterson in the collection of the APS (58.P.37), the family seemed not altogether satisfied with this effort. His son called it a "likeness, but fails to express the refinement & intelligence of the original." The painter, Samuel DuBois, was a student of Thomas Sully known for his series of portraits of directors of the U.S. Mint. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-39 W-33.25 inches |
Dimension Details |
Framed |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of Mrs. Robert M. Patterson, 20 April 1855. |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century painting University of Pennsylvania APS President |