How did gilbert stuart die

Stuart was one of America's first great portraitists. He holds the distinction of painting the new republic's first six presidents, as well as many other important public figures of the day, including first ladies, statesmen, and merchants.

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Stuart's refined portraits have shaped the way that Americans have come to visualize many of its nation's Founding Fathers. Having established his credentials for relaxed yet reverential portraiture in London and Dublin, he returned to his country of birth where he showed his business acumen by establishing successful practices in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.

Stuart's most iconic portrait, the famous Athenaeum Portrait , remains the definitive image of America's first president, George Washington. According to historian and acquaintance of the artist, William Dunlap, Stuart, "left us the features of those who have achieved immorality for themselves, and made known others who would but for his art have slept in their merited obscurity".

Stuart painted this self-portrait in the early stages of his career. There is an intensity to the stare of the artist as he looks out at the viewer over his right shoulder. Wearing a black coat, and jacket and painted against a dark brown background, the contrast in colors with that of his creamy complexion give his face a glow which brings a palpable sense of drama to the work.

There is a personal story associated with this painting that was shared years later by the artist himself. He explained that while still struggling as an artist in London, he saw a portrait for sale by the English artist William Dobson. Despite living in near poverty, Stuart borrowed the money to purchase the painting with which he had become completely enamored.

Once in his possession, Stuart showed the painting to his mentor, the American artist Benjamin West, who also greatly admired the work. Stuart told West he would gift him Dobson's painting if and when West told him that he had painted a portrait as good as Dobson's it is not known if he was true to his promise. Dobson's influence is clear in the pose and manner in which Stuart rendered his own image.

Professor Dorinda Evans cites a comment from a journalist on seeing the painting when exhibited in , "[Stuart] is represented as looking in a mirror, intently copying his own face.