Artwork

General George Eliott

General George Eliott, by Mather Brown, oil, 1790
General George Eliott, by Mather Brown, oil, 1790

General George Eliott is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Mather Brown. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

A man in a red military coat stands on a battlefield, one hand on his sword, smoke curling behind him and a cannon aimed at the horizon. Mather Brown painted it in 1790, just after the American Revolution, though the general fought for Britain. Brown himself was American, working in London to win English patrons with grand portraits like this. Look up the subject battles for more.

Subject & Meaning

The inclusion of a sword and battle-related elements reinforces his identity as a commander, aligning with his historical reputation as a military hero.

The portrait depicts General George Eliott, a British military commander best known for his defense of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of 1779–1783. He is shown in a three-quarter view holding a sword, emphasizing his role as a general and leader. The inclusion of a sword and battle-related elements reinforces his identity as a commander, aligning with his historical reputation as a military hero.

Technique & Style

The portrait of General George Eliott is executed in oil on canvas. The work measures approximately 249.4 cm in height and 163.5 cm in width, as recorded in the museum's catalog. Mather Brown employed a conventional oil-paint technique, building thin layers to achieve realistic flesh tones and crisp detailing of the sitter's uniform and sword.

The composition follows formal portrait conventions, presenting the general in a dignified pose with a focus on his martial symbols.

History & Provenance

The portrait of General George Eliott was created by the artist Mather Brown in 1790. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 249.4 cm in height and 163.5 cm in width. The painting is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art within The American Wing, where it is catalogued as accession 1975.1.149.

The piece depicts the general alongside martial elements, including a sword, reflecting its historical subject matter. Specific details regarding the original commission or earlier ownership prior to museum accession are not documented in the available records.

Overview

Mather Brown's 1790 oil painting depicts General George Eliott, a British military figure, on a battlefield. The work showcases the general in a red coat, hand on his sword, with smoke and a cannon in the background, conveying a sense of military presence and the aftermath of conflict. This piece exemplifies the grand portraiture style favored by the artist to attract patrons.

Context

Although painted shortly after the American Revolution, this work features a British general by an American artist, Mather Brown. Working in London during the late 18th century, Brown sought to establish his career by securing commissions from prominent English patrons. Portraits such as this one were instrumental in demonstrating his capability to depict esteemed military figures, despite his American origins.

General Sir William Maxwell
General Sir William Maxwell, Henry Raeburn

Artist & collection

Portrait of Mather Brown

Artist

Mather Brown

Mather Brown (baptized 11 October 1761 – 25 May 1831) was an American painter who was born in Boston, Massachusetts and was active in England.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted General George Eliott?

General George Eliott was painted by Mather Brown in 1790.

Where can I see General George Eliott?

General George Eliott is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is General George Eliott?

General George Eliott is associated with American Folk Art.