The Reverend John Brodhead Romeyn

"The Reverend John Brodhead Romeyn" is a portrait painted by Samuel Lovett Waldo around 1817–20. Waldo was an American painter known for his detailed and lifelike portraits. The subject, John Brodhead Romeyn, was a prominent clergyman in the Reformed Church in America. The painting exemplifies the early 19th-century American portraiture style, characterized by its emphasis on realism and individual character. The work is notable for its use of light and shadow to enhance the three-dimensionality of the figure. The exact circumstances of the commission and the relationship between Waldo and Romeyn are unknown. The painting is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

"The Reverend John Brodhead Romeyn" by Samuel Lovett Waldo, created circa 1817–20, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the subject in a three-quarter pose. The painting features a detailed rendering of Romeyn's facial features, characterized by a thoughtful expression and a slight smile. He is depicted wearing a dark clerical coat with a white cravat, which contrasts with the warm tones of the background. The use of light and shadow enhances the dimensionality of the figure, drawing attention to the subject's face and hands. The background is rendered in soft, muted colors, providing a subtle backdrop that emphasizes the figure. The composition is balanced, with the subject positioned centrally, creating a sense of stability and presence. The brushwork is precise, particularly in the depiction of the fabric textures and the play of light on the skin. Overall, the painting exemplifies the early 19th-century American portraiture style, focusing on individual character and dignity.