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Jacob (?) Leman by Eichholtz, Jacob

Eichholtz, Jacob · c. 1808

This portrait, "Jacob (?) Leman" by American artist Jacob Eichholtz, painted around 1808, offers a fascinating glimpse into early 19th-century American society and style. Housed in a regional collection, it's a testament to the artist's early career in Pennsylvania.

Observe the sitter's crisp white collar and the dark, tailored coat, detailed with six light-colored buttons. These sartorial choices, along with his neatly brushed-back hair, were clear indicators of refinement and social standing at the time.

Eichholtz, an American painter active from 1776-1842, specialized in capturing the burgeoning elite of the young United States. Though the sitter's identity as "Jacob (?) Leman" remains a subject of ongoing research, the painting's quiet contemplation speaks volumes about the individual and the era.

What do you think his gaze is directed towards?

Details

This style of dress signaled refinement and social standing.
This style of dress signaled refinement and social standing.
His neat, brushed-back hair completes the fashionable look.
His neat, brushed-back hair completes the fashionable look.
The artist, Jacob Eichholtz, captured this quiet contemplation.
The artist, Jacob Eichholtz, captured this quiet contemplation.
Transcript

This portrait was painted around 1808 in Pennsylvania. Notice the crisp white collar and dark, tailored coat. This style of dress signaled refinement and social standing. His neat, brushed-back hair completes the fashionable look. The artist, Jacob Eichholtz, captured this quiet contemplation. He was an American painter capturing the young nation's elite.