Joseph Wright (1756–1793)
• Was an American portrait painter and sculptor.
• Wright was born in Bordentown, New Jersey.
• His parents were Quakers, and he attended the Academy and College of Philadelphia.
• Joseph Wright entered the Royal Academy of Arts in 1775, where he studied for six years.
• Wright was the first American-born student to matriculate from the Royal Academy of Arts.
• He painted life portraits of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and was a designer of early U.S. coinage.
• Wright was President Washington's original choice for Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, but died at age 37, before being confirmed to that position.
