Background
Jouett was the son of Sallie Robards and Jack Jouett, a hero of the American Revolution.
Jouett was the son of Sallie Robards and Jack Jouett, a hero of the American Revolution.
The frustrated father commented "I sent Matthew to college to make a gentleman of him, and he has turned out to be nothing but a damned sign painter."
Jouett served as a lieutenant of the 28th infantry in the War of 1812. He was promoted to captain. After the war, he studied portraiture and went to Boston to study with Gilbert Stuart in 1816.
Jouett painted in New Orleans, Natchez, Mississippi, and Kentucky.
He was commissioned by the Kentucky legislature to paint a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette. Jouett was the father of James Edward Jouett, a naval officer
James served with Admiral David Farragut and was immortalized in Farragut"s famous quote "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Drayton go ahead! Jouett full speed!"
Matthew Jouett is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.