Egbert Benson
Egbert Benson (1746–1833) was born in New York. After graduating from King's College (now Columbia University), he became a lawyer. In 1777, he became the first attorney general of the state of New York, an office he held until 1787. He was also a member of the first state legislature. He served in the Continental Congress for several terms. He was a judge of the State Supreme Court from 1794 to 1801 and in the latter year was appointed judge of the United States Circuit Court. From 1789 to 1802, he was a regent of the University of New York. He was also a founder and the first president of the New-York Historical Society. Gilbert Stuart painted two portraits of Benson, one in 1794 (John Jay Homestead State Historical Site, Katonah, New York) and the other in 1805 (New-York Historical Society). Vanderlyn copied the earlier likeness, apparently around 1794, shortly after its execution.
Artwork Details
- Title:Egbert Benson
- Artist:John Vanderlyn (American, Kingston, New York 1775–1852 Kingston, New York)
- Artist:After Gilbert Stuart (American, North Kingston, Rhode Island 1755–1828 Boston, Massachusetts)
- Date:ca. 1794
- Culture:American
- Medium:Oil on canvas
- Dimensions:29 3/4 x 23 7/8 in. (75.6 x 60.6 cm)
- Credit Line:Bequest of Alphonso T. Clearwater, 1933
- Object Number:33.120.619
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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