Joseph Wright

Joseph Wright (July 16, 1756 – September 13, 1793) was an American painter and sculptor. He painted life portraits of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and was a designer of early U.S. coinage. Wright had been Washington's original choice for Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, but died at age 37 before being confirmed to that position by the United States Congress. Wright is often confused with his contemporary, the English painter Joseph Wright of Derby.