Portrait of Benjamin S. Judah

Ralph Earl

1794

Portrait painting of man seated at desk in front of an open window, facing viewer and holding a book in his lap with his right hand on desk.
Please login or register for free access to Posen Library
Register
Already have an account?
Engage with this Source

Creator Bio

Ralph Earl

Ralph Earl was a self-taught, itinerant portrait painter, the son of a farmer. A Loyalist, he fled to England during the American Revolution. When he returned to the United States in 1785, he soon ended up in prison because of nonpayment of debts. When he was released, a wealthy patron helped him get commissions as a society portrait painter. He is credited with painting at least 183 portraits.

Related Guide

Material Culture, 1750–1880

Many types of objects—furnishings and clothing, jewels and medals, wares crafted by Jews or specifically for use by Jews—are included in the Posen Library.

You may also like

Cup and saucer picturing man in profile on cup and his home on the center of the plate.
Tooltip info icon

Cup and Saucer

This cup and saucer set features a portrait of Jewish German banker Isaac Daniel Itzig and a picture of one of his homes in Berlin, the Bartholdy Meierei (Bartholdi dairy) on Köpenickerstrasse…
View Source
Wood chair inscribed with figures.
Tooltip info icon

Elijah’s Chair

Traditionally, the prophet Elijah is believed to be present at all Jewish circumcision ceremonies, and a chair is reserved for him. It serves as the seat of the godfather, who holds the baby boy…
View Source

The Author of Himself

The Jews in the Warsaw ghetto were tormented; they experienced terrible things. But from time to time they also experienced fine and wonderful things. They suffered. But they also loved. Except that…
View Source