Early 19th-century Pennsylvania miniature portrait attributed to Jacob Eichholtz (1776–1842). The sitter is presented in profile, wearing the fashionable dress and hairstyle of the Federal period. The execution is careful and controlled, with particular attention given to the rendering of the face against a restrained ground.  Executed on wood panel and preserved in what is likely its original frame.  An uncommon and appealing example in excellent condition.  Dimensions: sight 4” x 4.75”; frame 7 1/8” x 8 7/8”.

 

Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, Eichholtz was trained as a copper and tinsmith.  In 1808 he began to segue into a career as a portrait artist, advertising that he “executed Portraits and Profile paintings”.  This rare small oil on wood panel dates to Eichholtz’s earliest period, 1808-1811, when he painted his subjects simply and in profile.