A Delicate Hand in Early American Portraiture Nathaniel Hancock, a name perhaps less immediately recognizable than his contemporary Gilbert Stuart, nevertheless occupies a significant and cherished place in the history of American miniature portraiture. Born in Massachusetts around 1760, Hancock emerged during a period of burgeoning national identity and artistic expression following the Revolutionary War. While details surrounding his early life remain somewhat elusive, his career blossomed in Boston throughout the 1790s, a time when the city served as a vibrant hub for both commerce and cu…