Moses Seymour Jr.
1789
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1789
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Moses Seymour Jr. is a 1789 unspecified by Ralph Earl, a American Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
A boy in a dark coat stands by a tree, holding a book and a cane. His face is calm, almost serious, like he’s posing for a school photo. This portrait was painted in 1789, right after the American Revolution. The boy’s dad fought in the war, and now his son gets to stand here, dressed like a little gentleman. The artist, Ralph Earl, was one of the first to paint everyday Americans instead of just rich Europeans. If you like this, check out more works in the subject: america, american.
Seen here at the age of 15, Moses Seymour Jr. holds a book and cane, suggesting that he reads and walks in harmony with nature. The portrait was commissioned by his father, a former Revolutionary War major who lived in Litchfield, Connecticut. Artist Ralph Earl was the leading painter in the Connecticut River Valley, returning there after receiving training in London.
This painting descended through the sitter's family until it was given to the museum.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Ralph Earl (May 11, 1751 – August 16, 1801) was an American artist known for his landscape paintings and numerous portraits.
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