Who painted Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton?

Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton was painted by Henry Inman in 1833.

Where can I see Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton?

Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton is held by Detroit Institute of Arts.

What movement is Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton?

Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton is associated with American Folk Art.

Can I buy a print of Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton?

Museum-quality prints of Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton

Henry Inman , 1833

Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Henry Inman. It dates from 1833 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

About this work

Overview

Henry Inman’s 1833 oil portrait depicts Lieutenant Philip Augustus Stockton, a figure rendered in a formal military uniform. The canvas presents the officer against a muted brown backdrop, emphasizing his presence. The work resides in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts, where it exemplifies Inman’s early‑American portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Lieutenant Stockton, is portrayed with a solemn expression, gazing directly at the viewer. His dark hair and the dignified stance convey a sense of authority and composure typical of military portraiture of the period, underscoring the social standing and professional identity of the officer.

Technique & Style

Inman employs a restrained palette, allowing the black jacket with gold‑trimmed buttons and epaulets to dominate the composition. Fine brushwork renders the intricate metalwork and fabric folds, while the mottled brown background provides a neutral field that accentuates the figure’s three‑dimensionality and the painter’s attention to detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1833, the portrait entered the Detroit Institute of Arts’ holdings through acquisition, joining a broader assemblage of American 19th‑century works. Its presence in the museum reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving examples of Inman’s contribution to early American portraiture and the visual documentation of military personnel of the era.