James Smithson

This miniature portrait portrays British scientist James Smithson (c. 1765–1829), the Smithsonian Institution’s founding patron. Smithson left his fortune to the U.S. government to establish an institution “for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men.” Smithson was born out of wedlock to a duke, who refused to recognize his son in a society oriented around pedigree. Although Smithson never visited the United States, he admired its democratic ideals.