I wanted to share this photo of a portrait of William Moseley with the community. This is among the earliest European portraits to be brought to America. It was painted by an unknown artist -- probably in Rotterdam -- in 1647 or 1648, and arrived in Lower Norfolk, Virginia Colony, in late 1649 (with William himself, his father, his mother, and his brother Arthur). We know that there used to be portraits of all four individuals (see also here, here, and here), but the other three have been "missing" since the late 19th Century -- although we do have photographs of them. This portrait of William will go on public display in the original Lynhaven Parish, Lower Norfolk (now Virginia Beach, VA) in May this year -- for the first time in more than 100 years. It is still owned by one of his direct descendants (who prefers to remain anonymous).
Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (646 x 780).
