c. 1860s Civil War era, Oil on Canvas Painted Portrait of Union Army Major General John Adams Dix

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Early American History Auctions - December 20...

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Dec 20, 2025

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• Lot Description
  Paintings
  Asa Weston Twitchell (1820"1904), Oil on Canvas Portrait of Union Major General John Dix and Handsomely Framed
  c. 1860s Mid 19th Century Civil War era, Oil on Canvas Painted Portrait of Union Army Major General John Adams Dix shown in his army dress uniform, and Signed, "A.W. Twitchell" in the lower left field by noted artist Asa Weston Twitchell, measuring 22" x 27", Framed, Choice Very Fine.
  John Dix (1798"1879) served as Secretary of the Treasury under President James Buchanan from January to March 1861 after Southerners deserted Buchanan's cabinet. President Abraham Lincoln recognized Dix political influence, especially among Democrats, by appointing him a Major General in the New York Militia and empowering him to spend public funds during the initial raising and equipping of the Union Army. Dix joined the army proper as the highest ranking Major General of Volunteers during the Civil War, effective May 16, 1861. He served in various posts in the Union General Staff for the conflict's duration, including as Commander of the Departments of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia from June 1862 until July 1863, and the Department of the East from July 1863 until April 1865.
  The ornate frame measures 33.5" x 28.5", professional later stretcher measures 22" x 27". Overall an impressive painting with nice eye appeal, some trivial light rubbing in lower left quadrant, no apparent repairs, crazing, or overpaint, boldly Signed and easily readable, "A.W. Twitchell" in the lower left field and ready to hang on display.
  Asa Weston Twitchell (1820"1904) was a prominent 19th-century American artist, who lived and worked in both New York and New Hampshire. Twitchell is known for painting New England politicians. best known for his portrait paintings. He spent most of his career in the Albany, New York area, where he was a central figure in the local art scene. His work includes portraits of significant figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Herman Melville, and several New York governors. Many of his portraits are held in public collections, including the Albany Institute of History and Art.
  Provenance: From the Collection of the late Charles Richard Smith, who was the senior historian and branch chief of the Marine Corps' "History and Museums Division"; to our current consignor.
  We ship what we sell.
  Asa Weston Twitchell (1820"1904) was a prominent 19th-century American artist, and Honorary member of the National Academy of Design in 1854. Twitchell is best known for his portrait paintings. He spent most of his career in the Albany, New York area, where he was a central figure in the local art scene.
  Born in 1820 in Swanzey, New Hampshire, Twitchell moved with his family to near Troy, New York, around 1841. He resided in the Albany area for the rest of his life, dying in 1904 in Hurtsville, New York.
  Although he occasionally painted landscapes and religious subjects (such as Moses on the Mount in the National Academy of Design's collection), he was primarily a highly sought-after portraitist. He was known for painting more governors of New York than any other artist.
  Twitchell was an honorary member of the National Academy of Design, where he exhibited his work regularly from 1846 into the 1890s. In Albany, he was part of a vibrant artistic community that included artists and sculptors like Erastus Dow Palmer, Charles Loring Elliott, and William and James Hart.
  His work includes portraits of significant figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Herman Melville, and several New York governors. Many of his portraits are held in public collections, including the Albany Institute of History and Art.
  
  
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