Brigadier General Roger Nelson

Artist James Peale

Period1781

MediumOil on porcelain, silver case

Dimensions3.38 × 2.38 × 0.25 in. (8.6 × 6 × 0.6 cm)

InscribedEngraved on back of case, "Brig. Gen. Roger Nelson / 1781"

Markings"Sterling"

ClassificationsPortrait Miniatures & Silhouettes

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Annie Haight Kerfoot, 1935

Object number896

DescriptionA portrait miniature done in oil on porcelain, featuring a distinguished looking Brigadier General Roger Nelson in soft gray and white tones, contrasted by the bright blue facings of his military uniform, a dark sash across his chest, and vivid blue eyes.
Curatorial RemarksRoger Nelson (1759-1815) was born in Frederick County, Maryland, the youngest son of Dr. Arthur and Lucy (Waters) Nelson. As a young man he studied at the College of William and Mary. In July of 1780, Nelson was commissioned a Lieutenant in the 5th Regiment of the Maryland Line. Badly wounded at the Battle of Camden, he was taken prisoner by the British Army; after several months on British prison ships he was exchanged and transferred to a cavalry regiment commanded by Col. William Washington, and was present at the surrender of Yorktown in 1783. He married Mary Brooke Sim in 1787. In 1793, Nelson organized a cavalry troop to engage in the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion. He closed his military career as a brigadier general. Following the Revolutionary War, Nelson studied law and served in the federal House of Representatives as well as the sixth judicial circuit of Maryland. Throughout his career in public service, Roger Nelson earned a reputation as a highly persuasive man and an eloquent political speaker.NotesArtist James Peale (1749-1831) was the younger brother of portraitist Charles Wilson Peale (1741-1827). Under his brother's tutelage, James became a miniature and portrait painter in the 1770's, and continued his career as an artist until poor eyesight forced him to retire in 1818. Peale served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, prior to settling in Philadelphia with wife Mary and seven children.

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