The Reverend John Cotton of Newton

"The Reverend John Cotton of Newton," attributed to John Smibert, was created in the early 18th century and depicts the prominent Puritan minister John Cotton, who played a significant role in the early religious landscape of New England. The painting is notable for its detailed representation of Cotton's attire and the symbolic elements that reflect his theological influence, contributing to the understanding of colonial American portraiture and the cultural context of Puritanism.

"The Reverend John Cotton of Newton," attributed to John Smibert, features a seated figure in clerical attire, characterized by a dark coat and a white collar, set against a muted background that emphasizes the subject's solemnity. The composition is marked by a careful rendering of texture and detail, particularly in the depiction of the Reverend's facial features and the drapery of his garments, reflecting the artist's skill in portraiture during the early 18th century.