THE WORLD OF SAMUEL MEEKER, MERCHANT OF PHILADELPHIA, AND GILBERT STUART, AMERICAN PORTRAIT ARTIST

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The debt ceiling fiasco & Alexander Hamilton first Treasury Secretary



The statue of Alexander Hamilton at the Treasury entrance reminds Mr. Geithner every day of the importance of maintaining the nations's creditworthiness.


Somewhat surprisingly, Gibby did not paint Alexander Hamilton. Possibly because Alexander Hamilton worked for the Federal government, and his salary was not as sufficient as necessary for such a portrait (vs merchants in the private sector such as Meeker)? At the time of Hamilton's death, Gov. Morris organized a secret subscription fund among Hamilton's friends to help keep the family afloat.


But Hamilton's portrait was painted by John Trumbull in 1806 (two years after the duel with Aaron Burr.)

 
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