A native of Scotland, Deas emigrated to Carolina in 1749 and became a successful merchant and planter. In 1759 he married Elizabeth Allen. Probably painted in 1791, the year of Deas' death, the miniature demonstrates most of Henri's mannerisms, including the variegated background and curled mouth and eyes.
Notes:
This text is adapted from Martha Severens "The Miniature Portrait Collection of the Carolina Art Association" published by the Carolina Art Association, 1984