William, the Second Viscount Courtenay (Portrait of Earl of Devon-William Courtenay)
Gilbert Stuart, William, the Second Viscount Courtenay (Portrait of Earl of Devon-William Courtenay), ca. 1785-1786, oil on canvas, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hirschl, public domain, 62.43
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
William, the Second Viscount Courtenay (Portrait of Earl of Devon-William Courtenay)
- Related Titles
display title: William, the Second Viscount of Courtenay (Portrait of Earl of Devon-William Courtenay)
- Artist
- Date
ca. 1785-1786
- Medium
oil on canvas
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
30 1/4 in x 25 1/8 in
- Collection Area
American Art
- Category
Paintings
- Object Type
painting
- Culture
American
- Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hirschl
- Accession Number
62.43
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
Stuart became the most successful portraitist of the new American nation. After training with Benjamin West at the Royal Academy of Art, London, he established himself as a fashionable painter before returning to the U.S. in 1793. Today Stuart is well known for his series of iconic lifetime portraits of George Washington, including The Athenaeum Portrait currently depicted on the one-dollar bill.
The portrait was created when the Viscount was in his early forties, and clearly demonstrates Stuart's virtuosity. The detailed and animated face is spotlit, contrasting dramatically with the dark-toned background and clothing. Dignified and austere, the warm fleshtones and penetrating gaze of the sitter capture his vitality and intelligence.
