William Axtell

John Wollaston

Created:
Movement:
1752
Rococo
key Notes:
Colonial Portraiture, Rococo Influence
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Dimensions:
50 x 40 in. (127 x 101.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

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William Axtell by John Wollaston

The painting "William Axtell," created by John Wollaston in 1752, is an exemplary work of colonial American portraiture, executed in oil on canvas. Wollaston, an English-born artist, was known for his distinctive style characterized by elongated figures and elegant drapery, which he brought to the American colonies in the mid-18th century. His work significantly influenced the development of portrait painting in America, as he introduced European techniques and aesthetics to the New World. "William Axtell" reflects Wollaston's ability to capture the social status and personality of his sitters, a skill that made him a sought-after portraitist among the colonial elite. The painting not only serves as a representation of Axtell himself but also provides insight into the cultural and social milieu of colonial America. Wollaston's contributions to American art history are notable for bridging European artistic traditions with the emerging American identity.

Description of the work:

William Axtell by John Wollaston

The painting "William Axtell" by John Wollaston, created in 1752, is an oil on canvas portrait that exemplifies the Rococo style with its emphasis on elegance and refined detail. The artwork depicts William Axtell, a prominent figure of the time, and is noted for its use of rich color and intricate brushwork, characteristic of Wollaston's portraiture.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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William Axtell