Dr. Frederick Gore King

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TitleDr. Frederick Gore King

Artist Samuel F.B. Morse (American, 1791 - 1872)

Date1827-1828

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsUnframed: 34 1/2 × 27 1/2 in. Framed: 40 15/16 × 34 1/8 × 2 1/2 in.

SubmissionNA diploma presentation, 1827

Credit LineNational Academy of Design, New York, NY

Object number895-P

Label TextKing was born in England in 1801, and brought to America during his youth. He attended college in Massachusetts, and pursued the study of medicine under a Dr. Post in New York. After practicing for a brief period, King became demonstrator of anatomy at the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1828 he compiled and published Catalogue of the Anatomical Museum in the College of Physicians and Surgeons New-York.
At just the same time late in 1825 that the New-York Drawing Association was being formed, King was appointed lecturer in anatomy by the American Academy of the Fine Arts. It is difficult to imagine to whom he would have lectured under that appointment. Upon the founding of the National Academy, King offered to assume the all-important position of anatomy instructor in its newly established school. The Academy was pleased to appoint him immediately to that lectureship. His tenure was sadly brief, as he died in 1829.
The Academy was also grateful for King's pioneering support. In March 1827, following the close of the first full school year, the Council showed its appreciation by requesting King to sit to Morse for his portrait. When the painting was shown in the Academy's next annual exhibition, it was noted as "[Morse's] Academician picture," suggesting the artist made a presentation of the portrait to the Academy, letting it serve as his diploma work, rather than considering the assignment a formal commission, which the Academy could then ill afford.