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Literary authors are permitted, without ceremony, to express their opinions of contemporarieous works. Not so with artists. Whatever they may think, even of rival productions, it is expected of them to practice the most forbearing delicacy; leaving the important task of criticism to willing amateurs or incompetent Connoifeurs, to lead or mislead the public judgment, yet, as it may be expected of me, especially at my age, & on this occasion, I shall candidly express my opinion of such of the Portraits of Washington as I have known.

From the year 1772 till the year 1790, with the exception of some profile sketches, there were no Portraits of Washington, known or acknowledged as likenesses, but those which where painted by my father, Charles Willson Peale. They were natural & like, and highly valued; but I have criticized them as sometimes wanting energy of expression, with nose & eyes defectively small. The Portrait of 1772, being least liable to this objection.

[[stamp]] ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN ART [[/stamp]]

In the Portrait, painted by Mr. Pine. The forehead is evidently too retreating; but it professes some touches of living character, which give it a certain interest & value. This Portrait some how found its way into Canada, where Mr. H. Brevoort purchased it without knowing its Author till I recognized it.