History:The subject is an eldery man, turned to his right, with white hair and wearing a black suit and white shirt. This painting has several labels and notations on the back of stretcher and since the painting is unsigned, it could possibly be one of several artists of the early 1800s. The painting remained in the Rhea family for many generations. In 1997, the condition of the painting was considered good.
Notes:John Rhea (1753-1832) was a noted statesman and a U.S. Congressman from Tennessee. He is buried in Bloutville, Sullivan County, TN. Rhea County, Rheatown, and Rhea Springs are named for him.
