John Gadsby, Jr.

Anson Dickinson, born Milton, CT 1779-died Litchfied, CT 1852 · ca. 1829

John Gadsby Jr. was the son of the famous tavern keeper, John Gadsby, owner of Gadsby’s Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. The tavern hosted Thomas Jefferson’s inaugural dinner and “birthright” balls to honor George Washington’s birthday. This work was painted in Washington, D.C., where Dickinson was based at the time. The painting was originally a stickpin, mounted on a long pin that was pushed through the fabric of the wearer’s cravat.