Eichholtz travelled to Boston in 1811-12 to study with accomplished portrait artist, Gilbert Stuart. This travel was sponsored by Rev. Thomas Barton, rector of St. James Episcopal Church. Barton also commissioned this copy of Stuart's portrait of Washington.
Acquisition was made possible by Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Hamilton, The Thomas R. and Georgina T. Russo Family Foundation and The Richard C. von Hess Foundation
Oil Painting on paper of General John Steele. Gen. Steele is seated with his right arm on the arm of a chair, left hand on his right wrist. He's attired in a black coat high with high back collar. A high white collar around his neck has a bow tied in the front with a ruffled front.
Adam Reigart Jr. (original catalog description was Capt. John Steele)
Description
Oil portrait on canvas of Adam Reigart, Jr. (1765-1844). (Original catalog description was: "Painted portrait of Captain John Steele by Jacob Eichholtz". This ID correction approved by Tom Ryan).
Half-length male figure, faces slightly to left, gray hair brushed forward over forehead in thin wisps, long sideburns, his left ear visible; white turned down collar, light color waistcoat and white stock and frill. Black double-breasted coat. Plain brown background.
Modern wood frame 1.75" wide, painted black with gold beaded inner edge.
See G.86.09.2 for an identical oil on canvas portrait of Reigart by Eichholtz. (On art racks)
Painting has strong tears and needs cleaning. This is the condition in which it was received. Large irregular tear 7.5" x 4/5" across his left chest & shoulder. Small 1" x 1/2" tear above shoulder. Another irregular tear 2" x 1" on right shoulder. Straight line dent w/ some tearing below this. Another straight line dent 3.5" to left of head.and a 1"-long dent with tear above head. Extensive craquelure, esp. in upper 2/3.
Modern wood frame 1.75" wide is painted black with gold beading on inner edge. Round, blue sticker at top back of stretcher reads: "(W)alnut Lan(e) / Art Shop / German(town) / Philad(elphia).