Paintings“Benedict Arnold” Portrait Miniature Painted on Ivory

c. Early 1800's, Benedict Arnold Portrait Miniature, Painted on Ivory, Very Choice Mint.
This vivid, 2.2"" x 1.75"" oval miniature portrait is painted on ivory and housed within a vintage black frame that measures approx. 3.8"" x 4.6"" and is sealed with an acorn-leaf hanger attached at top for display. A small note, inscribed in black ink many generations ago, is affixed to the paper backing of the frame and reads, ""General B. Arnold. American General in Revolution. Died 1801."" A pencil notation on the reverse of the artwork itself states, ""Colonal [sic] Benedict Arnold 1776"". Benedict Arnold's pose seen here is based on the famous depiction known as the Hart Engraving. Reputed to be the earliest portrait of the later-treasonous American officer, the engraving by London portraitist Thomas Hart, was issued on March 26, 1776, with the full title ""Col. Arnold Who Commanded the Provincial Troops Sent to Quebec Through the Wilderness of Canada and Was Wounded in Storming That City Under General Montgomery"". This image, with a slightly turned Arnold in the foreground and Quebec in the background, was widely distributed in Europe and the United States. The original plate currently resides in the British Museum. Preservation-wise, the frame displays minor surface crazing, attesting to its originality, and the unsigned ivory portrait displays a magnificent, vibrant and colorful Mint condition portrait.