The three images of Andrew Jackson seen here provide an interesting snapshot that illustrates the development of portraiture from silhouette, to painted portrait, to photography.

Silhouettes

First image: Silhouette of Andrew Jackson created by William H. Brown, 1844. Tennessee Historical Society Book Collection. ID: 42895.

Silhouette artists were among the first portraitists documented in Tennessee as early as 1805. Talented artists drew silhouettes freehand while others used a tool called a physiognotrace to create a dark outline or shape of a person by tracing the profile. The image was then darkened with black crayon or ink and set against a lighter background.

Portraits

Second image: Portrait of Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) painted in 1833 by Ralph E. W. Earl. Library Photograph Collection. ID: 2099.

Ralph E. W. Earl was Jackson’s favorite portrait artist and was married to Jackson’s niece. Following the death of his wife, Earl moved into The Hermitage, the home of Rachel and Andrew Jackson. Earl remained a close companion until his death in 1838.

Photographs

Third image: Portrait of Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). Library Photograph Collection. ID: 2156.

This photograph was taken in Jackson’s bedroom at The Hermitage on April 15, 1845, just months before his death.