Attributed to John Smibert

Attributed to John Smibert, the artist was a Scottish-American painter born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1688 and died in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1751. Smibert is often associated with the Colonial American art movement, having played a significant role in introducing European artistic styles to the American colonies. He emigrated to America in 1728, initially as part of a venture to establish an art academy in Bermuda, which ultimately did not materialize. Smibert settled in Boston, where he became a prominent portraitist, influencing the development of American portraiture through his works and teaching. His most notable work is the group portrait "The Bermuda Group," which exemplifies his skill in composition and character depiction. Smibert's legacy includes his influence on future American artists, such as John Singleton Copley, through both his paintings and his collection of European art and prints.