Ralph E. W. Earl

Ralph E. W. Earl (1788–1838) was an American painter known for his association with the American portraiture movement of the early 19th century. Born in Leicester, Massachusetts, Earl was the son of the painter Ralph Earl, which influenced his early exposure to the arts. He is most renowned for his role as the court painter to President Andrew Jackson, capturing numerous portraits of the president and his contemporaries. Earl's work contributed significantly to the visual documentation of Jacksonian America, providing a vivid portrayal of its political figures. His portraits are characterized by their attention to detail and the dignified representation of his subjects. Earl's legacy is preserved in various collections, including the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.