American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts

Considered to be one of the most brilliant orators and lawyers of his time, Brown was also a poet and playwright. An ardent abolitionist, Brown was a member of The Pennsylvania Abolition Society and The Philadelphia Antislavery Society. At his death, The Albany Law Journal, Vol. 6, (1872) pp. 49-50 published, "Mr. Brown was the steadfast friend, counselor, spokesman and orator for the anti-slavery party. He was their chivalrous champion upon nearly all occassions, important and unimportant, in the court, on the rostrum and in the newspapers. It may be said with safety that he never failed to answer their call."

When Brown's portrait was added to the Library's collection, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, "one of the most perfect specimens of the power attainable in portraiture we have ever seen... In design and execution, we pronounce it Neagle's happiest effort- its finish is exquisite- the subject evinces a beauty of drawing combined with such clearness and brilliancy, that it ranks Mr. N. on an equality with the best artists in our country."

Exhibition and publication: John Neagle Philadelphia Portrait Painter, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, April 18, 1989 to July 29, 1989, no. 24. Catalogue of the same name by Robert W. Torchia (1989) p. 160, illustrated p. 161.