14 Facts About Gustavus Hesselius

Gustavus Hesselius was European trained and became a leading artist in the mid-Atlantic colonies during the first half of the eighteenth century.

Gustavus Hesselius was among the earliest portrait painters and organ builders in the United States.

Gustavus Hesselius was named to the Prince George's County Hall of Fame by the Prince George's County Historical Society.

Gustavus Hesselius's mother was the sister-in-law of Jesper Swedberg, Bishop of the Diocese of Skara and aunt of religious leader Emanuel Swedenborg.

Gustavus Hesselius had studied art in Sweden and probably in England.

Gustavus Hesselius came to Wilmington, Delaware in 1711 together with his elder brother Andreas Hesselius.

Gustavus Hesselius's brother had been appointed to become parish priest of Holy Trinity Church, the Swedish Lutheran parish at Fort Christina.

Gustavus Hesselius lived in Delaware until 1717, then moved to Philadelphia where he lived until 1721.

Some time around 1735, Gustavus Hesselius returned to Philadelphia where he spent the rest of his life.

Gustavus Hesselius worked as an organ builder, having built an organ for the Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1746.

Gustavus Hesselius was the father of painter John Hesselius.

Gustavus Hesselius was listed as a member of the Gloria Dei Church in Philadelphia.

Gustavus Hesselius died during 1755 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was buried on the 25th at Gloria Dei Church.

The Last Supper by Gustavus Hesselius was the first recorded public art commission in the American colonies.