Artwork
Portrait of the Artist Asa W. Twitchell
Portrait of the Artist Asa W. Twitchell is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles Loring Elliott. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The sketch feels alive, like it was drawn fast to capture the person’s character.
This sketch shows a bearded man wearing a wide-brimmed hat tilted to one side. His face is drawn with quick, loose lines, and his expression looks thoughtful. The paper is light-colored, and the drawing is signed in the corner.
The artist added the date and place—Albany, April 13th, 1864—by hand. The sketch feels alive, like it was drawn fast to capture the person’s character.
Next, check out Elliott, Charles Loring to see more of his work.
Overview
Charles Loring Elliott’s 1864 graphite portrait records the likeness of fellow artist Asa W. Twitchell. Executed on wove paper, the drawing bears Elliott’s signature along with the inscription “Albany, April 13, 1864,” anchoring it in a specific time and place. The work presents Twitchell in a relaxed pose, his beard and tilted wide‑brimmed hat defining his appearance.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Asa W. Twitchell, appears contemplative, his gaze directed inward as if reflecting on his craft. The informal rendering suggests an intent to capture personality rather than formal status, offering a glimpse into the mutual respect between two 19th‑century American artists.
Technique & Style
Elliott employed graphite with swift, loose strokes that convey immediacy. The light‑colored wove paper provides a subtle background, while the rapid line work defines facial features and the hat’s angle, creating a sense of movement and spontaneity characteristic of mid‑century portrait sketches.
History & Provenance
The drawing was completed in Albany on April 13, 1864, as noted by Elliott’s handwritten annotation. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s circle, though further ownership details remain undocumented, reflecting the modest circulation typical of personal studies of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Loring Elliott (1812 – 1868) was an American painter known for his portraits.
