James Bowie was born in Kentucky but spent most of his life in Louisiana. He arrived in Texas in 1830 and worked as a land speculator. His brother Rezin gave him a large, custom-made hunting knife and James became proficient at using this first Bowie knife for personal protection. Bowie served as joint commander at the Alamo and lost his life in that battle on March 6, 1836. This portrait hangs in the House Chamber and is believed to be the only portrait of him done from life.
Artist: attributed to George Peter Alexander Healy (1813-1894)
Date: c. 1825
Medium: Oil on Canvas