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Joel Barlow, 1754-1812
An intellectual and diplomat, Revolutionary War veteran Joel Barlow spent many years abroad. In 1787 he wrote "The Vision of Columbus," one of the first epic poems celebrating American progress. William Dunlap, an artist and dramatist, traveled the East Coast beginning in 1805, painting miniatures to support his family. According to family letters, he met Barlow in February 1806 in Washington, D.C. This signed and dated portrait contrasts the richness of the dramatic background with Barlow's carefully depicted features.
William Dunlap, 1806 |