George Heathcote

Gilbert Stuart

Created:
Movement:
1785
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Portraiture elegance, 18th-century attire
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Dimensions:
36 x 28 in. (91.4 x 71.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"George Heathcote" is a portrait painted by American artist Gilbert Stuart around 1785. The subject, George Heathcote, was a prominent figure in the early American Republic, known for his involvement in commerce and politics. Stuart was renowned for his ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects, and this work exemplifies his skill in portraiture. The painting is characterized by its attention to detail and the use of light and shadow to create depth. It is part of a broader body of work by Stuart that includes portraits of many notable figures of the time. The current location of the painting is not specified in the available records. Further details about the commission or specific context surrounding the creation of this portrait remain unknown.

Description of the work:

"George Heathcote" by Gilbert Stuart, created circa 1785, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the subject in a three-quarter view. The composition features Heathcote dressed in a dark coat with a white cravat, which contrasts with the muted background. Stuart employs a soft, naturalistic palette, emphasizing the play of light on the subject's face and clothing. The brushwork is fluid, particularly in the rendering of the skin tones, which conveys a sense of vitality. The background is a subtle gradient that enhances the figure's prominence, while the overall arrangement reflects the neoclassical influence of the period. The painting exemplifies Stuart's skill in portraiture, particularly in his ability to convey character and presence through facial expression and posture.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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George Heathcote