Edward Greene Malbone

Born In Newport, Rhode Island. Received some instruction from a local scene painter. Established himself in Boston as a miniature painter when about nineteem, and formed a close friendship with Washington Allston; afterward opened studios successively in NY and Philadelphia. Removed with Allston, in the winter of 1800, to Charleston, SC, where some of his best works were produced. Accompanied Allston to London in May 1801, and while there painted his largest and most celebrated miniature, "The Hours", in the Providence Athenaeum - a group of three beautiful young girls representing the Past, the Present, and the Future. On returning in the US, he chose Charleston for his permanent residence, visiting the North periodically. In 1806, travelled to Jamaica for his health. Died in Savannah, on may 7, 1807 on his way to Newport. Malbone was the foremost American miniature painter. He also occasionally painted in oils and drew pastel portraits. One hundred and fifty-seven miniatures by him are listed in "Early American Portraits Painters in Miniature," by Theodore Bolton, NY, 1921.