Mordecai Myers
Artist: John Wesley Jarvis (American, 1781-1840)
Date: about 1810
Dimensions:
H: 33 7/8 in. (86.1 cm); W: 26 5/8 in. (67.7 cm)
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott
Object number: 1950.275
Label Text:Mordecai Myers (1776–1870), a member of a distinguished Jewish family, was born in Newport, R.I. and raised in New York City. Early in his military career Myers served in the New York State militia. He was commissioned a captain in the 13th Infantry of the regular Army when the War of 1812 broke out—the second war fought between America and Great Britain and instigated by Britain’s interference with American sovereignty. In 1813 Myers was seriously wounded fighting in the Battle of Crysler’s Field on the Niagara frontier. During his subsequent political career, Myers served six terms in the New York General Assembly beginning in 1828. He eventually moved to Schenectady, where he was mayor during the 1850s. Myers’ circle of friends included Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, and Martin van Buren.
Myers probably sat for his portrait with New York-based portraitist John Wesley Jarvis in late 1813 or early 1814, after he had recovered from his war injuries.
Myers probably sat for his portrait with New York-based portraitist John Wesley Jarvis in late 1813 or early 1814, after he had recovered from his war injuries.
On view
In Collection(s)