Zachariah Poulson (1761-1844) edited and published the newspaper "Poulson’s American Daily Advertiser" from 1800-1839. The artist has painted Poulson holding his newspaper, as well as some correspondence from Mr. Ogilvie. Although the portrait is unsigned in the traditional sense, the newspaper Poulson holds contains an advertisement that reads, “James Peale / No. 69 / Lombard Street / Paints Portraits / In Oils and Miniature / Oct. 29. 1808.” Adjacent to this advertisement is one for the museum run by James's brother, Charles Willson Peale., Purchased by the Library Company, 2011.
Poulson was librarian from 1785-1806 and a board member from 1812-1844 at the Library Company., Sully Register, #1356., Commissioned by the Library Company's Board of Directors, 1843., Exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (1922). Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981). Exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery's exhibition, Mr. Sully, Portrait Painter (1983).
