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Portrait of Thomas Wharton (1735 - 1778)

c. 1784
Charles Willson Peale (American, 1741–1827) Portrait of Thomas Wharton (American, 1735–1778)
Philadelphian Thomas Wharton purchased several lots of porcelain through merchant Archibald McElroy, Bonnin and Morris's agent. He purchased two full tea sets, plates, and several ornamental accoutrements of the dessert course, including sauceboats and a pickle stand. Like Benjamin Franklin and John Cadwalader, Wharton was a staunch supporter of American manufacturers, interested in their success out of intellectual curiosity and the desire to increase America's political and economic independence from England.

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