POSSIBLY BENJAMIN GREENLEAF (1769-1821)

This profile portrait may be attributed to Benjamin Greenleaf (1769-1821) of Hull, Massachusetts, based on close similarities to profile portraits known to have been painted by him. The primary element linking this portrait to his known works is the bust-length format that fills much of the composition and stands out prominently against a dark background. Additionally, the features of his sitters are usually rendered in careful detail, as are those in this portrait.
While more typically known for his portraits done in eglomise, or reverse-painting on glass, Greenleaf is also known to have worked in oils, watercolors and pastels. For more discussion on Greenleaf, his works and the styles in which he painted, see Arthur B. and Sybil B. Kern, "Benjamin Greenleaf: Nineteenth Century Portrait Painter," The Clarion (Spring/Summer 1985), pp. 40-47.