Marinus Willett

Ralph Earl American

Not on view

The affluent merchant Marinus Willett (1740–1830) was a New York leader of the Sons of Liberty and a political radical who fought valiantly during the Revolution. Here, Willett wears his regimental uniform and the sword (17.87.3) that was presented to him by Congress in honor of his actions against the British at Fort Stanwix, in upstate New York, in 1777. The presence of three Native Americans alludes to Willett’s role in negotiating a 1790 treaty with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Willett successfully balanced his military and political careers, culminating in his appointment as mayor of New York City in 1807.

Read a Native Perspective on this work.

Marinus Willett, Ralph Earl (American, Worcester County, Massachusetts 1751–1801 Bolton, Connecticut), Oil on canvas, American

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Marinus Willett, Ralph Earl (American, Worcester County, Massachusetts 1751–1801 Bolton, Connecticut), Oil on canvas, American
Marinus Willett, Ralph Earl (American, Worcester County, Massachusetts 1751–1801 Bolton, Connecticut), Oil on canvas, American

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.