Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was taught by her father, and painted primarily still lifes, some of which were copies of his work.

[3] Her works are noted for their "careful, precise observation"[4] and "stark arrangements of objects".

[3] Her backgrounds tend to be "austere" or "neutral", setting off the colors and textures of her foreground objects.

[4] Margaretta Angelica Peale died in Philadelphia and is buried there in Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church Burial Ground.

[5] Her paintings may be found in numerous collections, including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, of which she was a founding member.