Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Portrait of David Hewes, c. 1854 William S. Jewett (American, 1812-1873) Oil on canvas; 35 1/…
Portrait of David Hewes
Portrait of David Hewes, c. 1854 William S. Jewett (American, 1812-1873) Oil on canvas; 35 1/…
Portrait of David Hewes, c. 1854 William S. Jewett (American, 1812-1873) Oil on canvas; 35 1/2 x 28 1/2 in. 5541 Gift of Mr. William McPherson

Portrait of David Hewes

ClassificationsPaintings-oils
Artist William S. Jewett (American, 1812-1873)
Subject David Hewes (American, 1822 - 1912)
Date1854
Made AtSan Francisco, California, United States, North America
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions35 1/4 × 29 × 2 in. (89.5 × 73.7 × 5.1 cm)
Framed: 41 1/4 × 35 × 3 1/2 in. (104.8 × 88.9 × 8.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. William McPherson
Object number5541
DescriptionDavid Hewes became wealthy during the Gold Rush as the principal grading contractor developing San Francisco’s business district. In 1869, he provided the golden spike signaling the completion of the transcontinental railroad.

In 1880, Hewes hosted a reception for First Lady Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes. The newspaper noted: “The house… was lavishly and tastefully decorated…with the choice flowers and foliage for which our state is celebrated. An elegant lunch and a fine display of California fruits were spread upon the veranda overlooking Lake Merritt…”

In 1881, due to the failing health of Hewes’ wife, Matilda, the couple moved to a ranch in El Modena near Orange. Called Anapauma, “a place of rest,” the property was an 800-acre sheep ranch and vineyard, eventually replanted as a prosperous citrus grove. His fruit bore the brand labels Hewes’ Park and El Modena, among others.

On View
On view
Collections