Bogle, Robert

Jan. 1817–after 1860

Robert Bogle, portrait and genre painter, was probably born in or near Fayetteville, or in Georgetown, S.C., a twin son of Dr. James and Sarah Auld Bogle. Of his early education nothing is known, but he likely attended Fayetteville Academy, of which his father was principal from 1811 until his death before 1820. He probably followed his twin brother James to study under Samuel F. B. Morse in 1836, and by 1838 he traveled with James in North and South Carolina, painting portraits and genre paintings together. In 1843 Robert separated from his brother James and went to New Orleans in 1844, where he married Adelaide Bailey in 1845. His first daughter, Ada, was born in South Carolina ca. 1846, while a son, Robert, was born in Italy ca. 1848, and another, Harry, was born in Maryland ca. 1850. By 1859 he lived in Baltimore, but moved to Georgetown, D.C., in 1860, where he exhibited a portrait at the Washington Art Association. In November 1860 he appeared in Charleston; no trace has been found of his subsequent career.