March 1898 Issue [Article] The earliest painter in America. Recently discovered records of Gustavus Hesselius, and of our first public art commission Download PDF Adjust Share by Charles Henry Hart, This article is only available as a PDF to subscribers. Download PDF Tags 18th century Art, American Biography Colonial period (ca. 1600-1775) Gustavus Hesselius History Lydia Hesselius Middle Atlantic States Portrait painters United States More from Charles Henry Hart Portrait of Elizabeth Anthony A portrait by Gilbert Stuart “A portrait” by Thomas Sully Adjust Share