Community Chat

[Oznell]

Gilbert Stuart, famed portraitist of George Washington and other notables, was born on December 3, 1755 in Saunderstown in the Rhode Island colony.

I like his self-portrait.  He looks like there's a lot going on in his head--

Apart from his studies of Washington, perhaps he's best known for "The Skater", a portrait of Sir William Grant--

Fascinating, on so many levels! 

I'm interested also in his portraits of mothers and children.

Here below is "Christian Stelle Bannister, and Son"

This was a period of change, apparently, in how artists were depicting children.   This painting is considered to be in a more modern vein, since her little boy John is shown, not as a 'miniature adult', as children used to be pictured.  Note his open collar, loose hair, and, he is shown with his doggie. ( He still looks pretty formal to me, but not by their standards.)

But, in Stuart's portrait "Mrs. Aaron Lopez and Her Son Joshua",  Stuart portrayed little Joshua with carefully groomed hair, and with a little tie in place, just like a formal grown-up.  And he was only 4 at the time! 

As a name nerd, I was interested that Mrs. Bannister had the name "Christian",  not "Christiana", or "Christabel", etc.   But, from the Middle Ages on, and even into the 18th century, "Christian" was frequently a unisex name, bestowed on males and females alike. 

The Lopez portrait is notable as they are identified as Sephardic Jews ( originally from Spain or Portugal, probably).   I'm vaguely remembering that Newport, Rhode Island was the location of an important synagogue, Touro. I believe Newport had attracted a number of Jewish settlers early on. 

Even though both mother/child paintings are in slightly different styles, they are both so charming!

Other cool paintings he did :

"Catherine Brass Yates".     ( Love the delicacy he showed in her industrious hands, her nose, and the way the light falls...)

"Joseph Brant".    Mohawk leader.   Alive with color.

"Benjamin Waterhouse"    Physician and co-founder of Harvard Medical School.

[happilyretiredgirl]

@Oznell  Thanks for posting, the photos are beautiful and interesting to me.

[Bonkers1]

I am so impressed

[Puzzle Piece]

@Oznell  Thanks for the share.  I enjoyed seeing some of these paintings in the D.C. area.  

I greatly enjoy history.  

Spoiler

[just bee]

Used to be a fixture in every classroom.

[OKPrincess]

I am so impressed with these portraits. Such perfection.

Thanks for sharing @Oznell 

[Oznell]

@just bee ,  it would be great if more classrooms still featured the likeness of that titanic historical first, President George Washington.  Some do, and kudos to them.  

[Shanus]

Thanks for bring this artist to our attention @Oznell . It's definitely pleasant to see something educational here. 

Although my paintings are abstract, I always visit the "Old Masters" when traveling and go to mueums. Their color mixing, posing the subjects and the backgrounds which a lot of artists just blur out.

Definitely Gilbert Stuart stands out among the great artists...attention to every detail.

[Oznell]

@Shanus ,  it's great to have a fellow artist-- you-- of this century, give her analysis of Stuart-- very illuminating, thank you! 

[Shanus]

Thanks for the compliment @Oznell