Charles A. Fraser (1782-1860)
Charles A. Fraser, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most notable Southern portrait miniaturists of the late 18th and 19th centuries. He resided at 56 King Street his entire life, and as a result the majority of his portrait miniatures are of Charlestonians, even though he made several trips out of South Carolina. Fraser is also noted for the landscape and literary themes within his paintings. His earliest known painting is of his cousin Andrew Rutledge, dated 1796 (Collection of the Charleston Museum). Fraser would have been 14 years of age at that time. Though self-taught, his painting style was most influenced by his friend, the well-known miniaturist Edward Greene Malbone (1777-1807). Thomas Sully (1783-1872) and Washington Allston (1779-1843) were friends as well. Fraser used both oils and watercolors, and his hallmark was a detailed system of stippling which gave his paintings a lighter and more delicate appearance. Fraser’s works can be found in Charleston at Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston Museum of Art, Charleston City Hall, Yale University Art Gallery, and an assortment of other institutions.
Information courtesy of Charlton Hall Auctions