Rembrandt Peale

Painter Charles Willson Peale named many of his children for famous artists, including his sons Rembrandt and Rubens Peale. Rembrandt became an artist himself. Here, he has painted his brother at age 17. Rubens, who had poor eyesight (note the two pairs of glasses), would not take up painting until late in life. First he focused on studying gardening and botany.

Rembrandt shows Rubens with a geranium — then a rare species of flower. In fact, this is thought to be the first geranium grown in the United States. Its prominent position in the painting and the way Rubens carefully grasps the pot suggest the plant’s importance. It may represent a growing sense of pride in American identity and ability.