American, 1788 - 1844
During his early youth Nathaniel Rogers was apprenticed as a ship carpenter in Hudson, New York. At age sixteen, however, an injury to his knee allowed him to return to the home of his parents. While convalescing he began copying prints and sketching. Eventually he copied two miniatures in his family's collection and subsequently proceeded to make his own overtures in the field. After recuperating from his injury, Rogers moved to New York City and pursued his studies under the portrait and miniature painter, Joseph Wood. In 1811, after proving his facility as a miniaturist, he obtained his own studio and commenced upon his career.
In the following years Rogers became one of the leading miniaturists working in New York. He began exhibiting his works at the American Academy of Fine Arts in 1817 and in the following year was married to Caroline Matilda Denison. In 1825 tuberculosis forced him to temporarily abandon his career, but upon the founding of the National Academy of Design in 1826 he was, nonetheless, immediately elected as one of the "second fifteen." Rogers continued to exhibit his miniatures at the National Academy's annual exhibitions until 1830. In following years his health and his interest in charitable institutions led him to retire from his profession. In 1836 his status in the National Academy was reduced to that of an associate as he had failed to exhibit his works within its walls for two successive years. He spent the last years of his life in his native home on Long Island.
In the following years Rogers became one of the leading miniaturists working in New York. He began exhibiting his works at the American Academy of Fine Arts in 1817 and in the following year was married to Caroline Matilda Denison. In 1825 tuberculosis forced him to temporarily abandon his career, but upon the founding of the National Academy of Design in 1826 he was, nonetheless, immediately elected as one of the "second fifteen." Rogers continued to exhibit his miniatures at the National Academy's annual exhibitions until 1830. In following years his health and his interest in charitable institutions led him to retire from his profession. In 1836 his status in the National Academy was reduced to that of an associate as he had failed to exhibit his works within its walls for two successive years. He spent the last years of his life in his native home on Long Island.
