John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War

John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War

Charles Bird King

John C. Calhoun, Secretary of War

American

1818 1820

"In this portrait by Charles Bird King, John C. Calhoun stares intently out of the frame, entreating the viewer to look to where he points. He holds a map showing the northeast corner of the new state of Missouri and nearby territories. The map also includes the “Road to Chariton,” marked by a diagonal red line. At the spot on the map where Calhoun’s finger points, the Army built the territory’s first fort. Depicted at the beginning of a long career in government, Calhoun was Secretary of War under President James Monroe in 1817, and encouraged the Army’s Corps of Engineers to survey and explore the Western territories," quote from the Chrysler Museum Painting Description.

John C. Calhoun was married to Floride Colhoun, the daughter of Floride Bonneau Colhoun, and the 6th owner of Dumbarton Oaks. John C. Calhoun was a frequent visitor to Dumbarton Oaks while it was owned by his mother in law (who also happened to be his cousin).

Oil on canvas

36 1/8 x 28 1/2 in. (91.8 x 72.4 cm) Overall, Frame: 39 x 27 in. (99.1 x 68.6 cm)

http://www.chrysler.org/ajax/load-artwork/49

Painting