After unsuccessful attempts at being a merchant, Bunce took to the sea and commanded the packet "Georgia," which did business between Charleston and Philadelphia.
Bunce's portrait fits into Peale's third and last period, evidenced by ". . . a further simplification of technique and a greater emphasis on the character of the subject. Less attention is given to detail of costume and more to a study of the face." Here the characterization of the face is strong and unidealized. The background is systematically cross-hatched.
Notes:
This text is adapted from Martha Severens "The Miniature Portrait Collection of the Carolina Art Association" published by the Carolina Art Association, 1984