Artwork
General Andrew Jackson
General Andrew Jackson is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist John Wesley Jarvis. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The sitter's direct gaze and formal attire convey authority and resolve, aligning with Jackson's reputation as a decisive figure in early American history.
The portrait depicts Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, rendered by John Wesley Jarvis in 1819. Jackson is shown as a general, emphasizing his military leadership during the War of 1812, particularly his victory at the Battle of New Orleans. The sitter's direct gaze and formal attire convey authority and resolve, aligning with Jackson's reputation as a decisive figure in early American history.
The work's iconography underscores Jackson's identity as a soldier, reinforcing his role during a formative period in the nation's development.
History & Provenance
The portrait of General Andrew Jackson was created by John Wesley Jarvis in 1819 as an oil painting on canvas, measuring 123.2 cm in height by 91.4 cm in width. It is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued within the American Wing, and depicts Jackson as a military general in a formal portrait style. The available sources do not record a specific accession number, commission details, or a detailed exhibition history.
Overview
John Wesley Jarvis painted this oil on canvas portrait of General Andrew Jackson around 1819. Housed in The American Wing, the work presents a figure in military attire. It captures Jackson shortly after a significant military victory, reflecting a period of national prominence for the subject.
Technique & Style
Jarvis employed oil on canvas to create this direct portrait. The general stands stiffly, presented against an unadorned background, which emphasizes the subject without distraction. This stylistic choice contributes to the painting's overall effect of conveying a serious and unwavering presence, aligning with the desired image of the sitter.
Context
This portrait was completed around 1819, following General Andrew Jackson's notable victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. The timing of its creation suggests a connection to his rising public profile and the national recognition he garnered from his military achievements during the War of 1812.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Wesley Jarvis (1781–1839) was an American artist, born in South Shields.
