Who painted Nelson Mathewson?

Nelson Mathewson was painted by William Sidney Mount in 1839.

Where can I see Nelson Mathewson?

Nelson Mathewson is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Nelson Mathewson?

Nelson Mathewson is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Nelson Mathewson?

Museum-quality prints of Nelson Mathewson are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Nelson Mathewson

William Sidney Mount , 1839

Nelson Mathewson is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Sidney Mount. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in graphite: By Wm. S. Mount Del. / 1839.; center verso in graphite by unknown hand: S.A. Mound [?] / by Wm Sidney Mount 1839 / from The WS Mount House / Stray Brook L1 / # [...] 2nd from Drawing Award / purchase 1940 from H Mon Blond [?]; upper right verso in graphite by unknown hand: 20 (circled); lower left in graphite by unknown hand: 8 (upside down)

About this work

Overview

Nelson Mathewson is a graphite drawing on wove paper executed by American painter William Sidney Mount in 1839. The work presents a half‑length portrait of a gentleman, rendered in a straightforward, unadorned manner that emphasizes the sitter’s facial expression and attire rather than any elaborate setting.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is depicted wearing a dark coat and a bow tie, his hair neatly arranged, and his mouth curved in a subtle smile. The direct, forward‑facing pose and the restrained background suggest an intention to capture the individual’s character and social bearing without narrative distraction.

Technique & Style

Mount employed rapid, loose graphite strokes, favoring line over smooth tonal shading. This approach gives the drawing a lively, almost sketch‑like quality, with soft edges that convey immediacy. The limited use of chiaroscuro accentuates the facial features while maintaining a relatively flat, unfinished appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1839, the drawing is attributed to Mount’s early career, a period when he produced numerous portrait studies alongside genre scenes. Its provenance traces back to private collections before entering the museum’s holdings, where it serves as an example of Mount’s draftsmanship and his interest in contemporary portraiture.