Gilbert Stuart
American, 1755 - 1828
NationalityAmerican
BiographyAmerican portrait painter whose style was profoundly influenced by the eighteen years he spent working in England and Ireland. Born in Rhode Island, the son of a Scottish immigrant loyal to the British Crown, Stuart journeyed to England just prior to the outbreak of the American Revolution in order to complete his art training. Following his 1775-82 apprenticeship with the American expatriate Benjamin West, he began an independent portrait practice in London. He received positive notices for his ability to capture a convincing likeness but struggled to compete in a city teeming with portrait painters. In search of patronage, he moved to Ireland in 1786 but left for the United States seven years later with the intention of painting a portrait of George Washington. The success of that portrait led to additional commissions, and he went on to paint five presidents among other prominent members of society. Stuart remained in the States for the rest of his life. [Great British Paintings Label Text]
Person TypeIndividual
