A Gentleman of the Morris Family by Wollaston, John
John Wollaston's "A Gentleman of the Morris Family," painted around 1750, is an oil on canvas portrait held at a prominent institution. It depicts an unidentified male member of the influential Morris lineage, a powerful family in colonial New York.
During the mid-18th century, commissioning a portrait by an artist like Wollaston was a significant investment and a clear marker of social standing. Observe the meticulous detail in the sitter's crisp white collar, the prominent buttons on his brown jacket, and the subtle peek of his light green vest.
Wollaston, an Anglo-American artist active from 1733 to 1767, was known for his ability to capture the decorum and gravity expected of colonial elites. The serious, direct gaze of the gentleman in this painting not only asserts his individual presence but also reflects the broader respectability and importance of his family.
What details in his attire best convey his status to you?
Details
Transcript
This gentleman belonged to the Morris family. The Morris family was powerful in colonial New York. A portrait by this painter was a status symbol. Notice the fine details on his jacket and vest. It cost a substantial sum to commission one. His serious gaze asserts his family's importance.