Edward Archer (1713-1771)

Edward Archer was born in Barbadoes and emigrated to Virginia in 1732. His daughter Mollie (Mary) Archer married Thomas Applewhaite of Barbadoes. Archer was a merchant in Norfolk. His son was Edward Archer II.

Dimensions: 32 x 26 in. (81.28 x 66.04 cm.)

The portrait shows an older man seated in dark green upholstered chair. He wears a dark brown jacket with white waistcoat. His right elbow rests on a table, a quill and inkstand are placed next to his elbow. Two letters rest on the desk and one letter is in his right hand. The far right letter reads: “to-/ Thomas Applewhaite/ Merchant/ Barbadoes.” Other letter on table reads: “to-/ Capt. Edwd. Archer/ on bord the Brig Mollie’s Letter.” The letter that the subject holds is partially obscured by his hand, but the visible words read: “to/ d Archer/ in Norfolk.”

See: FARL