American Art Rachel Weeping Enlarged in 1776; repainted in 1818 Made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States1772, 1776 and 1818 Charles Willson Peale, American, 1741 - 1827 Oil on canvas * Gallery 102, American Art, first floor (Flammer Gallery) 1977-34-1 Gift of The Barra Foundation, Inc., 1977 |
LabelPeale's painting shows his first wife, Rachel, weeping over the loss of their child, most likely their daughter Margaret, who died of smallpox in 1772. The picture was not meant for wide public display; Peale kept it in his studio behind a curtain with the following sign: "Before you draw this curtain Consider whether you will afflict a Mother or Father who has lost a Child."* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
