Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry
Artist: Jane Stuart (American, 1812-1888)
Artist: Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828)
Date: 1818-1828
Dimensions:
H: 26 5/8 in. (67.7 cm); W: 21 3/4 in. (55.3 cm)
Medium: Oil on wood panel
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott
Object number: 1967.140
Label Text:In 1818 the Rhode Island legislature commissioned Gilbert Stuart to paint a full-length portrait of naval officer Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819), a native of that state. Perry became a national hero in the War of 1812 after defeating a British squadron near Put-in-Bay, Ohio on Lake Erie. Though the full-length portrait was never carried out, Perry sat for this likeness just before leaving for the West Indies, where he died of yellow fever. Stuart was notorious for leaving paintings unfinished, and completed only the face. His talented 16-year-old daughter Jane finished the head, sky, and uniform after his death.
Stuart painted portraits of many of early America’s most important citizens, including the picture of George Washington that was used for the dollar bill. His distinctive style of sketchy brushstrokes and strong characterizations—seen also in his painting of John Ashley in this gallery—set the standard for American portraits for at least a generation.
Stuart painted portraits of many of early America’s most important citizens, including the picture of George Washington that was used for the dollar bill. His distinctive style of sketchy brushstrokes and strong characterizations—seen also in his painting of John Ashley in this gallery—set the standard for American portraits for at least a generation.
On view
In Collection(s)