Mrs. Joseph Anthony Jr. (Henrietta Hillegas)

Gilbert Stuart

Created:
Movement:
1798
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Federal portraiture, Elegant attire
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Dimensions:
30 x 23 3/8 in. (76.2 x 59.4 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Mrs. Joseph Anthony Jr. (Henrietta Hillegas)" is a portrait painted by American artist Gilbert Stuart around 1795–1798. The subject, Henrietta Hillegas, was the wife of Joseph Anthony Jr., a prominent Philadelphia merchant. Stuart was known for his ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects, and this work exemplifies his skill in portraiture. The painting reflects the neoclassical style prevalent in American art during this period, characterized by its attention to detail and use of light. The composition features a seated Henrietta Hillegas, dressed in a white gown, with a dark background that enhances her figure. The work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The exact circumstances of the commission and the artist's relationship with the sitters remain unknown.

Description of the work:

"Mrs. Joseph Anthony Jr. (Henrietta Hillegas)" by Gilbert Stuart, created circa 1795–98, is an oil on canvas portrait that exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects. The composition features a seated woman, dressed in a white gown with a delicate blue sash, which contrasts with the dark background, enhancing her presence. Her hair is styled in a fashionable manner, adorned with a simple ribbon, and her expression conveys a sense of poise and dignity. The use of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional effect, emphasizing the contours of her face and the texture of her clothing. The painting reflects the neoclassical influence of the period, characterized by its attention to detail and the idealization of the subject. The overall color palette is muted yet rich, contributing to the formal and refined atmosphere of the work.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mrs. Joseph Anthony Jr. (Henrietta Hillegas)