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Primary sourcePainting1780

Baron Frederick William von Steuben

Charles Willson Peale · 1780

A life portrait of Steuben painted in 1780 by Charles Willson Peale, made during his service as Inspector General.

This life portrait of Steuben shows him as he appeared during his service as Inspector General of the Continental Army.

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Oil portrait of an 18th-century man with powdered gray hair, wearing a dark blue coat with gold epaulettes and gold-yellow waistcoat, a red sash and star-shaped order badge, against a dark background.
Charles Willson Peale, Baron Frederick William von Steuben, 1780. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

About this source

What it is

This oil portrait of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was painted from life in 1780 by the American artist Charles Willson Peale. It is held by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Why it matters

Painted at the height of Steuben's role as Inspector General of the Continental Army, this portrait is considered the defining image of him. Peale was known for painting many Revolutionary War figures from life, so this image gives a direct visual record of how Steuben looked and presented himself during the war, including the military decorations that marked his rank and honors.

Look closer

  • What do Steuben's uniform, sash, and badge tell you about his rank and status?
  • Why might an artist choose to paint a military leader against a plain dark background?
  • What does a formal portrait show us, and what does it not tell us about a person's daily life?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Friedrich von Steuben on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben · 1779

Large painting of a battlefield scene with a grey, stormy sky. On the left, British redcoat troops stand in lines beside a white flag. On the right, American troops in blue and buff stand beside a striped flag. In the center, a mounted commander on a white horse, with a figure in red uniform walking in front, faces the lines.Painting

Secondary source

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

John Trumbull · 1819

Oil portrait of an older man with white powdered hair in a dark navy coat with gold epaulettes and tan high-collared lapels and waistcoat. He wears orange-and-red decorations and a star-shaped order on his chest and holds a sword hilt. Behind him are trees and a distant river with sailboats.Painting

Primary source

Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus, Baron von Steuben

Ralph Eleaser Whiteside Earl · 1786

Handwritten letter in brown ink on aged paper, dated Montpellier 12 March 1773 at top right, addressed 'Monsieur' and written in French in cursive script. It is signed at the bottom right with a closing phrase and the name 'de Steuben'.Letter

Primary source

Letter from Montpellier

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben · 12 March 1773

Handwritten cursive signature in black ink reading 'Baron de Steuben' on a white background.Document

Secondary source

Signature of Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

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