Self-Portait

Between the apparent youth of the subject, and the fact that Morse is only known to have essayed miniature painting while a student at Yale, this portrait may be assumed to have been done in about 1809 or 1810. Morse's intentions for his future and the ambition of those intentions are clearly announced by his presentation of himself as a working painter before a full-sized canvas. The painting remained with Morse's descendants until acquired from his grandson, and namesake, Samuel F. B. Morse, by its donors to the Academy.