Sir William Johnson (1715–1774)

1838

Oil on canvas

Unframed: 30 × 25 in. (76.2 × 63.5 cm)
Framed: 37 × 32 in. (94 × 81.3 cm)

Gift of Edward F. De Lancey

1896.2

A native of Ireland, the subject came to America about 1738 and settled in the Mohawk Valley. He was a fur trader and agriculturalist, and his success in dealing with the Indians led to his appointment as commissioner of Indian Affairs for New York in 1756. This portrait is copied from a lost original by Thomas McIlworth that dates from 1763. McIlworth's portrait was made to hang in Johnson Hall, the subject's mansion north of Johnstown.

InscribedInscribed on verso: "Sir William Johnson Bart. born in Ireland / died at Johnson Hall, N.Y. July 1774 / This copy of the Original in England was made / for Col. Wm. L. Stone Editor of the Commercial / Advertiser, who began a "Life of Sir Wm. / Johnson," about 184- He died after completing six or seven chapters, and his Son W. L. / Stone jr. completed the work in 1865. and he / desiring to sell this portrait I bought it of / him in 1869. Edward F. De Lancey"

ClassificationsPAINTINGS