William Russell Birch

Born in 1755 in Warwickshire, England, Birch was a leading artist in baked enamel miniatures and the engraving of notes. He also trained in the art of enameling and jewelry making and became a master copyist and painter. After establishing himself in England, Birch emigrated to Philadelphia in 1794, where he earned a strong reputation as an artist in America. He documented the architecture and city activities of Philadelphia and published several topographic views of New York City.