Major-General Anthony Wayne

About this artwork

“Mad Anthony” Wayne (1745-1796) was one of the most colorful figures of the American Revolution. His early training as a surveyor came in handy as he guided his troops during the Valley Forge campaign. Following the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Washington sent Wayne into South Carolina to chase the British out, after which he was promoted to major general. He returned home in 1783 and reentered the Pennsylvania legislature, where he had served until 1775. When Washington appointed hi...

Art Historical Context

Behold the exquisite miniature portrait of *Major-General Anthony Wayne* James Peale, created around 1795 and now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum This intimate bust-length painting captures "Mad Anthony" Wayne (1745–1796) in his major general's uniform, a deliberate choice reflecting his return to the Pennsylvania legislature after a storied military career. Miniatures like this, typically painted on ivory in small scale, were cherished personal keepsakes in the early American republic, blending portraiture with portability for soldiers, statesmen, and families. Wayne earned his...

About the Artist

James Peale

James Peale was an American painter born in 1749, the younger brother of the more famous Charles Willson Peale, and a member of one of the most remarkable artistic families in the history of American art. Trained largely by his brother, James worked for many years in Charles Willson's shadow, assisting with portraits and miniatures in the Philadelphia studio before developing his own independent p...