Hinman B. Hurlbut by John Henry Witt

John Henry Witt · 1874-01-01

This striking portrait, "Hinman B. Hurlbut" by John Henry Witt from 1874, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art, holds a clever, almost hidden, signature. While Hurlbut's stern gaze and formal attire speak of his civic importance, the artist chose a subtle way to mark his own presence.

Take a close look at the folded paper Hurlbut holds in his carefully rendered hands. Attached to it is a small, seemingly ordinary pin. But zoom in, and you'll discover it's not just a pin; it's the artist's signature, "Witt," intricately painted as if part of the document itself.

John Henry Witt, an American artist born in Dublin, masterfully employed realism and detail in this oil painting. His meticulous approach to texture and form, combined with focused illumination on Hurlbut's face, reinforces the portrait's serious tone. This subtle artistic flourish adds a personal touch to a work primarily focused on its distinguished sitter.

Did you spot the signature on your first look?

Details

Meet Hinman B. Hurlbut, a man of serious presence.

He holds a folded paper, perhaps a document, in his hands.

Notice the small pin on the paper, holding it closed.

Transcript

Meet Hinman B. Hurlbut, a man of serious presence. Painted in 1874, this portrait captures his civic authority. He holds a folded paper, perhaps a document, in his hands. Notice the small pin on the paper, holding it closed. It's not just a pin, but the painter's own name, signed by Witt.