Joseph Jefferson: Actor & painter

Joseph Jefferson lived quite a life. Today, he's best known as one of the most celebrated actors of the 19th-century and the one responsible for coining the name "The Little Church Around the Corner." 

But Jefferson had another passion: painting. Fellow actor Francis Wilson said of Jefferson that he "became restless if long without a brush in his hand." Jefferson even had several exhibitions of his work including those at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the National Academy of Design. 

Today, one of his landscapes is proudly displayed on our walls. And next to it is a photograph of Jefferson at work, looking restful with brush in hand. 

Check back for more treasures from the Archives at EAG. 

- Matt Roberson