John Neagle (American, 1796 to 1865)
John Neagle became one of the prominent and highly recognized portrait artists working in Philadelphia in the early nineteenth century. After studying and apprenticing with several artists, Neagle studied with the famed American portrait artist Thomas Sully, who influenced his style and use of color. Early in his career, Neagle made a painting trip to the South, and traveled to Kentucky in 1818 and then to New Orleans from 1819 to 1820. In 1826, Neagle married Thomas Sully’s stepdaughter.
Information courtesy of Neal Auction Company
John Neagle was born in Boston but spent most of his life in Philadelphia where he had a successful career as a portraitist to the city’s elite. He was influenced by Thomas Sully, another leading Philadelphia portrait painter, and eventually married Sully’s daughter. Neagle was elected an honorary member of the National Academy of Design in 1828.
Information courtesy of St. Charles Gallery, November 2009.