MALBONE, EDWARD GREENE

born , August 1777, Newport, R.I., U.S. died May 7, 1807, Savannah, Ga. painter generally regarded as the greatest of American miniaturists. Largely self-taught, Malbone began his professional career in Providence, R.I., at the age of 17 and quickly developed a remarkably fine technique. A man of agreeable manners, diligent, and blessed with what Washington Allston called the happy talent . . . of elevating the character without impairing the likeness, Malbone was, during his short career, the most sought-after miniaturist of his day in Providence, Newport, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Savannah. His career was cut short by tuberculosis. Many of his miniatures have survived and are highly prized for their delicacy of drawing, richness of colour, and convincing characterization. He had no formal pupils, but freely advised other artists, notably Charles Fraser, William Dunlap, and John Wesley Jarvis.