Samuel King

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.

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. Stiles, who performed King's marriage ceremony, went on to become the president of Yale College.

King taught artists Ann Hall, Charles Bird King, Edward Greene Malbone, and Washington Allston. Hall visited Newport to receive lessons from King.

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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