Aaron Burr
1834
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
1834
oil
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
The painting depicts a man seated in a chair, wearing a dark coat and vest over a white shirt with a high collar. He has short, white hair and is looking directly at the viewer. His arms are crossed, and he wears a ring on his left hand. A pair of glasses rests on his forehead. The man's attire suggests he is from the early 19th century, and his serious expression conveys a sense of formality. The background of the painting is a muted brown color, which helps to focus attention on the subject. This portrait, created using oil paint, invites the viewer to explore the life and times of the subject. For more information on the artist's techniques, consider learning about chiaroscuro, impasto, and glazing.