JOHN IZARD MIDDLETON (SOUTH CAROLINA/EUROPE, 1785

Born just outside Charleston, South Carolina, John Middleton was the son of Mary Izard and Continental Congressman Arthur Middleton who signed the Declaration of Independence. They lived at Middleton Place, which his elder brother Henry (later Governor of South Carolina, U.S. Representative and Minister to Russia) inherited. Although his roots remained deep in South Carolina, he spent the better part of his adult life in Europe and was particularly fascinated with the ruins and buildings of Italy and became America's first unofficial archeologist. Middleton traveled to Italy as early as 1808 and remained in Europe the rest of his life. He died in Paris in 1849. Included in this lot is a photograph of the back of the paper on which the view was drawn which shows an inscription on the upper left "JIM 1814" and on the bottom right: "Presented by John Izard Middleton 1814." Artist: JOHN IZARD MIDDLETON (SOUTH CAROLINA/EUROPE, 1785 - 1849). Condition: Very good. Created: Dated on back 1814. Frame: Modern frame. Medium: Graphite on paper. Signature: On back "JM". Title: RURAL LANDSCAPE. Work Size: 8.25" x 11.5" Condition: Dimensions: Frame: 15 - 3/4" x 19 - 5/8".