The painter of this miniature portrait is currently unknown, however, Joseph Wood seems a possibility, as the portrait is similar in pose, detail, and colouring to a self-portrait of Joseph Wood held by the Metropolitan Museum. It dates to around 1810-15, and is in an unusual bespoke frame, probably necessary as the Embargo Act impacted upon the supply of casework imported from Britain.
The sitter is identified by very indistinct writing on the reverse that appears to read "Miniature of uncle John Renniger - Adalph (?) Inslee (?)" ."Adam". His waist coat is red, white, and blue, those being patriotic colours during the 1812 war..
Although the significance of the second portion of the inscription has not yet been worked out, the sitter is believed to be the John Renniger (1787-1820) who lived in Douglass, Montgomery, Pa. Although he died quite young, he had married Elizabeth Gilbert and they had five children.
The reference to "uncle" suggests the inscription was written by a child of one of the four sisters and three brothers who were siblings of John Renniger. 1062
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