Raphaelle Peale (1774–1825) was a member of a renowned artistic family who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father, uncle, siblings, and cousins were among the most important American artists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Peale is notable for being the first professional American still life painter. His pioneering paintings in this genre feature food and tabletop objects. The works are characterized by harmoniously balanced compositions, dramatic lighting, and the sensitive rendering of form, color, and texture. Despite his short life, Peale painted as many as 150 still lifes, with an estimated 50 known today.
Peale was the eldest surviving son of the solider, scientist, and artist Charles Willson Peale (1741–1827). Patriarch Charles was a portraitist of Revolutionary Founding Fathers, including President George Washington, and established one of the first museums in America. He taught painting to the young Raphaelle, as well as many of his other children who were also named after famous historic artists.
