John Ashley
Artist: Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755-1828)
Date: 1799
Dimensions:
29 1/4 × 24 3/8 in. (74.3 × 61.9 cm)
Medium: oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Florence Scott Libbey
Object number: 1912.12
Label Text:The addition of personal items to this portrait gives a clue to the interests and occupation of John Ashley (1754–1831), a London-born agent and merchant living in Philadelphia. He holds a creased sheet of paper (a letter?) and rests his elbow near a stack of books atop of which rests a glass inkwell and a quill. We can make out part of the obscured title on the spine of the thickest book: “U.S.” and “1799” (the date of the painting).
By the late 1700s, portraits emphasizing individual personality had become fashionable. Gilbert Stuart, born in Rhode Island, developed a successful career in London painting this type of portrait. He returned to the Unites States in 1793, where his London experience made him the most sought-after artist in the country. His client list included such important people as Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, and George and Martha Washington (the picture of Washington on the dollar bill is based on Stuart’s portrait of the first president).
By the late 1700s, portraits emphasizing individual personality had become fashionable. Gilbert Stuart, born in Rhode Island, developed a successful career in London painting this type of portrait. He returned to the Unites States in 1793, where his London experience made him the most sought-after artist in the country. His client list included such important people as Thomas Jefferson, Abigail Adams, and George and Martha Washington (the picture of Washington on the dollar bill is based on Stuart’s portrait of the first president).
Not on view
In Collection(s)