Christopher Colles

James Frothingham

Created:
Movement:
1816
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Neoclassical Portraiture, Historical Figure
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
30 3/8 x 25 1/2 in. (77.2 x 64.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

James Frothingham's "Christopher Colles" (1816)

The painting "Christopher Colles" by James Frothingham, executed in 1816, is an exemplary work of early 19th-century American portraiture. Utilizing oil on canvas, Frothingham captures the likeness of Christopher Colles, an influential figure in American engineering and infrastructure development. The portrait is notable for its detailed rendering and the subtle use of light, which highlights the sitter's dignified presence. Frothingham, born in 1786 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, was a self-taught artist who became known for his portraits of prominent figures in New England. His work is characterized by a keen attention to detail and a commitment to realism, which contributed to the documentation of American society during his time. The painting not only serves as a historical record but also reflects the burgeoning American identity in the post-Revolutionary War era.

Description of the work:

Christopher Colles by James Frothingham

The painting "Christopher Colles" by James Frothingham, created in 1816, is an oil on canvas portrait that exemplifies the Federal style with its emphasis on realism and attention to detail. The artwork depicts Christopher Colles, an Irish-American engineer and inventor, and is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Christopher Colles