Painting

Title:

Benjamin Pierce

Object Name:

Painting

Object ID:

1893.001.01

Creator:

Willard, Henry (1800-1857)Artist

Date:

circa 1830

Description:

Portrait of Benjamin Pierce (1757-1839), by Henry Willard (1800-1857), c. 1830. Oil on canvas. Half-length portrait of a man facing very slightly left; looking toward viewer. Sitter has white hair and blue eyes. He is wearing a black coat, yellow waistcoat, white ruffle, and white cravat. Unsigned. Gilded gesso over molded wood frame. Nameplate on frame: "Gov. Benjamin Pierce / Henry Willard."

Material:

Textile
Canvas

Dimensions:

H-30 W-25 inches

Provenance:

Converted from loan (1889.001) to bequest (1893.001.01).

Benjamin Pierce was Governor of New Hampshire, 1827 and 1829. Father of Franklin Pierce. Born in Chelmsford, MA, December 25, 1757. Fought throughout the Revolutionary War. Was agent for Samson Stoddard who owned large tracts of land in New Hampshire and Vermont. Settled on a frontier farm in Hillsborough in 1786. Organized militia of Hillsborough Country, resigned 1807, a brigadier general. He began his political career in 1789 as representative to the legislature, re-elected for 11 years, councilor 6 years, sheriff of county, 1807-14, 1819-27; governor 1827,1829. He died in Hillsborough, April 1, 1839.

Credit Line:

Bequest of Frances McNeil Potter

People:

Pierce, Benjamin (1757-1839), Willard, Henry (1800-1857)

Subjects:

Governors, Military officers, Pierce, Benjamin, Politicians, Portrait paintings, Portraits, Militias