(Texas/Virginia/Kentucky, 1798-1846) 

Portrait of a Southern Brigadier General, War of 1812, unsigned, oil on canvas, 30 x 25 in.; period carved gilt wood frame, 41-1/4 x 31-1/4 in.

Provenance: Peter Tillou, Litchfield, Connecticut

Note: for a discussion of this rare work by Wright see the attached letter of attribution/authentication by Estill Curtis Pennington. 

This identified sitter is depicted in the uniform worn by officers of the U.S. Light Artillery Regiment, 1813-1815, but known to have also been adopted by officers in other artillery regiments during the War of 1812, in this case probably in the Virginia or Kentucky militia. The epaulettes on his shoulder each bear a single star, indicating the rank of brigadier general. However, this may also indicate that he is a field officer of artillery with a brevet promotion to that grade. His military “chapeau bras” with white plume is in the background to his right, while on the table before him is a gilt-mounted saber with eagle-head pommel.  All of this points to a date circa 1810-1820.