Artwork
Commodore Isaac Hull
Commodore Isaac Hull is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Gilbert Stuart. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
This painting shows a man in a navy uniform. He's sitting with a confident look. The artist paid close attention to the details of his face and clothes.
The subject is Commodore Isaac Hull, a naval officer. He played a key role in the War of 1812, which makes this painting interesting.
You can learn more about portrait art by looking at the work of artist Gilbert Stuart.
Technique & Style
The painting functions as a formal portrait depicting a male subject, consistent with the conventions of the genre during the early nineteenth century.
Executed in 1814, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures approximately 76.2 by 63.5 centimeters. While historically linked to Gilbert Stuart, current attribution notes indicate the piece was formerly ascribed to him, suggesting a re-evaluation of the artist's hand.
The painting functions as a formal portrait depicting a male subject, consistent with the conventions of the genre during the early nineteenth century. The physical construction relies on traditional materials standard for American portraiture of the period, though specific details regarding surface condition, varnish, or brushwork handling are not explicitly documented in the available records.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Commodore Isaac Hull was executed in 1814 and was formerly attributed to the American portraitist Gilbert Stuart. Executed in oil on canvas and measuring 76.2 by 63.5 cm, the work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified within The American Wing. While the provided records confirm the painting's location and institutional ownership, they do not document the circumstances of its commission, a specific accession or inventory number, or any exhibition history for the work.
Overview
Gilbert Stuart's 1814 oil on canvas portrait depicts Commodore Isaac Hull. This work is a significant example of American portraiture from the early 19th century, capturing a prominent naval officer. It resides within the American Wing, representing a key period in the nation's artistic and military history. Stuart, a leading American portraitist, created this piece during a time of national pride and military valor.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents Commodore Isaac Hull, a distinguished naval officer, in his uniform, conveying a sense of authority and self-assurance. Hull's historical importance stems from his pivotal involvement in the War of 1812, where he played a crucial role in naval engagements. The portrait thus serves as both a personal likeness and a historical document, commemorating a figure central to early American military success.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gilbert Stuart (né Stewart; December 3, 1755 – July 9, 1828) was an American painter born in the Rhode Island Colony who is widely considered one of America's foremost portraitists.
