Solomon Isaacs, 1786–1855

Born New York City
Solomon Isaacs established a thriving copper manufacturing business in partnership with his brother-in-law, the metallurgist and inventor Harmon Hendricks. Both men were members of the Sephardic community in New York City, where Isaacs began his career providing imported metals to customers such as Paul Revere. During the War of 1812 (1812–15), Isaacs operated a copper mill in New Jersey that supplied the U.S. Navy with domestically produced copper sheathing for warships. He also provided copper for Robert Fulton’s steamship boilers, hence his nickname “Steamboat Isaacs.”

In this portrait, Isaacs presents himself as an elegant man of leisure rather than a busy industrialist. Dressed fashionably, with a bamboo walking stick and gold and carnelian watch fob as accessories, he meets our eyes with a direct, confident gaze. The elaborate chair, ornamented with carved lions, and the column and tasseled drapery in the background enhance the impression of opulence.

The Jewish Museum, New York. Purchase: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob D. Shulman and J.E. and Z.B. Butler
Foundation, by exchange; Estate of Gabriel and Rose Katz Fund; and Gift of Kallia H. Bokser, by exchange