After John Blake White (American, 1781-1859), General Marion Inviting a British Officer to Share His Meal

oil on canvas (lined), unsigned, mid-19th century, presented in a later frame.
Stretcher size 14 x 24 in.; Frame dimensions 25 x 35 in.
The original painting by South Carolina artist, John Blake White, depicts the historic meeting of "Swamp Fox" (General Marion) and a British officer to negotiate a prisoner exchange. At the meeting, the officer was surprised by Marion's hospitality and simple dinner of roasted sweet potatos and water.

White's scene was well known to the public, as it was exhibited at the National Academy of Design in 1837 and the Apollo Gallery in 1838 and 1839. In 1840, the Apollo Association for the Promotion of the Fine Arts in the United States commissioned John Sartain to create a mezzotint print of the painting. This print was widely circulated and highly collectible today. And, in 1861, the scene was reproduced on the Confederate banknote issued by South Carolina.

White completed several versions of this scene during his lifetime. These paintings are included in the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the South Caroliniana Library, Columbia, the Chicago Historical Society and the United States Senate in Washington, D.C.
From the Collection of Quincy and Betty Scarborough, Fayetteville, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

The original canvas has been cut and laid down on a later canvas and newer stretchers; surface grime; extensive scattered retouch visible under UV light; several small paint flakes; rubbing and age cracks to frame.