Absalom Jones

Absalom Jones
Absalom Jones

Absalom Jones

Date1810
Artist (American painter, 1774–1825)
MediumOil on paper mounted to board
Dimensions30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm)
frame: 34 1/2 x 29 1/4 in. (87.6 x 74.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Absalom Jones School, 1971
Object number1971-8
On View
On view
ClassificationsPAINTING
Label TextThe Reverend Absalom Jones was the prominent minister of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. Born enslaved in Sussex, Delaware, Jones eventually bought his wife's freedom and was granted manumission. Jones became the first African American minister of the Episcopal denomination. The painting, by noted Philadelphia painter Raphaelle Peale, was reproduced hundreds of times, as Jones became renowned for his work as a religious leader, abolitionist, and advocate for education.