Oil on 8 7/8” x 6 15/16” poplar panel of General Harrison, the Commander of the Army of the Northwest, after serving as the governor of the Indiana territory for the previous 12 years. Inscribed on the reverse in an old (though later) pencil script: “Portrait of William Henry Harrison Painted by William J___t__ around 1812”. The name of the alleged artist is abraded. A drill hole is sited ¼” from the top center edge of the panel which enabled hanging the portrait. A fine tight kerf extends to the top edge of the panel from the slightly enlarged opening where probably strung by a thin wire hanger or cabled silk string which eventually cut a slit to the edge.

See below another virtually identical likeness by the same unidentified artist that can be visited at Grouseland the Vincennes, Indiana home built for the young governor. Their example seems to have more detail afforded the uniform’s appointments indicating ours a study probably retained by the artist as a template for future commissions. If that hypothesis accurate ours may be the earliest known image of the future 9th president.

Recently housed in a paint decorated frame, of the period, apparently being the first tenure of the likeness framed. Condition is well preserved without paint loss though small areas fluoresce purple on the general’s torso and stock, under black light inspection, which may indicate in-paint. There are several fine shallow dents to the surface which do not involve loss of paint. A cleanse of the toned varnish and grime may please those who do not prefer as found condition. Likely dating circa 1813 with Vincennes seemingly the best candidate as origin for the sitting.