Missing Art Studies - 1776 | celibataire 001

Missing Art Studies - 1776 | celibataire 001 - Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin Portrait 

Portrait No. 150 of 250

Companions of Liberty is a museum-inspired collection of 250 historically informed portraits created by Walt & Pete® to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Drawing upon archival research, military records, period artwork, archaeological evidence, and museum collections, each portrait explores overlooked individuals and underrepresented stories from the Revolutionary era through historically grounded artistic interpretation.

This portrait presents a historically informed reconstruction of Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin, a German-born officer serving in Malcolm's Additional Continental Regiment during the American Revolutionary War. Since no authenticated portrait or contemporary physical description survives, the artwork reconstructs a plausible likeness based on eighteenth-century portrait conventions, documented Continental Army officer uniforms, and surviving material culture.

The officer stands beside a mahogany writing table draped in green baize, resting one hand upon military dispatches while the other lightly holds the hilt of his small-hilt officer's sword. A black tricorn hat rests nearby, reinforcing the restrained formality of the studio portrait. The composition follows the visual traditions of John Singleton Copley while maintaining historical transparency regarding the subject's appearance.

Why These Stories Matter

Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin occupies a unique place in American military history. In 1778, following a court-martial ordered by General George Washington, Enslin became the first documented member of the Continental Army dismissed under charges of sodomy. While no evidence survives regarding how Enslin understood his own identity, his case remains one of the earliest documented intersections between military service and same-sex conduct in American history. Preserving stories like his broadens public understanding of the Revolutionary era and reflects Walt & Pete®'s mission to preserve LGBTQ+, Gay, and Queer history through historically grounded education and art while respecting the historical record.

Why You'll Love It

• Museum-inspired historical portrait created from extensive archival research 
• Commemorates a documented yet little-known figure of the Revolutionary War 
• Inspired by eighteenth-century portraiture in the tradition of John Singleton Copley 
• Conversation-starting artwork for libraries, offices, studies, and history collections 
• Premium archival canvas designed for long-term display 
• Excellent gift for military historians, museum enthusiasts, and collectors of LGBTQ+ history 
• Part of Walt & Pete®'s ongoing effort to preserve overlooked American history 

Product Features

• Museum-quality matte canvas 
• Cotton and polyester canvas 
• Archival inks 
• Pine wood frame 
• Available in black, espresso, or white frames 
• Multiple size options 
• Ready to hang 

Part of the Companions of Liberty Collection – 250 Portraits Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

Discover additional portraits in the series and build your own Revolutionary-era gallery wall.

EU representative: HONSON VENTURES LIMITED, gpsr@honsonventures.com, 3, Gnaftis House, flat 102, Limassol, Mesa Geitonia, 4003, CY

Product information: Generic brand, 2-year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland as per Directive 1999/44/EC

Care instructions: If the canvas accumulates dust, you may gently wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.