Rubens Peale

This small drawing of Rubens Peale (1784-1864) resembles many of the silhouettes made during this period, showing the artist’s brother in profile. Rubens was a favorite subject for his artistic family, and several members painted his likeness. Designed to be framed and hung on a wall rather than in a closed locket worn on the body, this piece demonstrates how the line between miniatures and small-scale drawings was beginning to blur.