James Sullivan Lincoln (May 13, 1811 – January 18, 1888) was an American portrait painter based in Providence, Rhode Island.

Needing to earn money to support the family, James went to work for an engraving company in downtown Providence.

[2] Within two years, James was able to copy famous paintings such as Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington, which hung in the Rhode Island State House.

[1] One of Lincoln's earliest clients (when he was age 25) was wealthy Pawtucket industrialist Samuel Slater, who had been dissatisfied with an earlier portrait by another painter.

[2] Lincoln's portrait proved so popular that he made several copies, including one for Brown University[2] (deaccessioned in 1980).