Samuel King (January 24, 1749 − December 20, 1819) was an American painter of miniature portraits and instructor.
Early life Samuel King was born about January 24, 1749, in Newport, Rhode Island. His father, Benjamin King, made navigational and mathematical instruments. King received training to become a house painter in Boston, Massachusetts, which became one of his many occupations.Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.); Carrie Rebora Barratt; Lori Zabar (January 1, 2010). American Portrait Miniatures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 42. .Joan M. Marter (2011). The Grove Encyclopedia of American Art. Oxford University Press. p. 43. .
Career King had pursued several vocations before beginning his artistic career. He painted houses, made frames, decorated carriages and made mathematical and navigational instruments. After his marriage in 1770, King became increasingly interested in art, but also continued to make instruments.
He made a miniature portrait of Reverend Ezra Stiles in 1770, which is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.Samuel King, The Reverend Ezra Stiles. Collection. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Retrieved August 21, 2014. Stiles, who performed King's marriage ceremony, went on to become the president of Yale College. The following year he painted Stiles' portrait on canvas.Neil Kamil (January 5, 2005). Fortress of the Soul: Violence, Metaphysics, and Material Life in the Huguenots' New World, 1517-1751. JHU Press. p. 479. .
King taught artists Ann Hall, Charles Bird King, Edward Greene Malbone, and Washington Allston. Malbone had been encouraged by King to become an artist.Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.); Carrie Rebora Barratt; Lori Zabar (January 1, 2010). American Portrait Miniatures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 91. . Hall visited Newport to receive lessons from King.Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.); Carrie Rebora Barratt; Lori Zabar (January 1, 2010). American Portrait Miniatures in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 133. .
He created a transparency for the Rhode Island State House in 1783, which was "probably" illuminated by torches placed behind it.
Personal life King was married to Amy Vernon in 1770 by Reverend Ezra Stiles. She was the daughter of a successful merchant, Samuel Vernon.
He died December 20, 1819, in Newport.
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