Egbert Benson (1746–1833) Artist: John Trumbull (American, 1756–1843)

1792

American Paintings and Sculpture

On view, 2nd floor, American Art before 1900


A lawyer from New York, Egbert Benson actively promoted the Revolutionary cause and the formation of the Union. He represented New York in the first two congresses and was an influential justice in the New York Supreme Court. Benson later became the first president of the New-York Historical Society. This miniature, painted in Philadelphia, was a study for John Trumbull’s proposed painting The Inauguration of the President.

Medium

Oil on wood

Dimensions

3 3/4 × 3 1/8 in. (9.5 × 7.9 cm)

Credit Line

Trumbull Collection

Accession Number

1832.63

Culture

American

Period

18th century

Classification

Miniatures

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Bibliography
  • Helen A. Cooper et al., Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery, exh. cat. (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 2008), 104, no. 46, ill
  • Helen A. Cooper et al., John Trumbull: The Hand and Spirit of a Painter (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1982), 136, pl. 71-75
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

miniatures (paintings), portraits

Subject

Federalist Party Founding Fathers of the United States lawyers men politicians

Signed

Signed verso: "Egbert Benson Esqr./Representative in the/Congress of the United/States of America from/the State of New York/& present at the inaugu/ration of the first/President./Painted by J. Trumbull/at Phila. 1792."

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