James Monroe
ca. 1820–22
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
40 1/4 x 32 in. (102.2 x 81.3 cm)
Classification
Painting
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Seth Low, 1916
Accession Number
29.89
Tags
About this artwork
This distinguished presidential portrait exemplifies Gilbert Stuart's mastery of American portraiture during the early republic. Created during Monroe's second term as the fifth President of the United States, the work was part of a prestigious commission by gallerist John Doggett to capture America's first five presidents. Stuart employs his characteristic compositional elements: a three-quarter pose at a desk scattered with books and papers, billowing drapery creating dramatic depth, and the l...
Art Historical Context
Gilbert Stuart's portrait of James Monroe, painted around 1820–22 during the president's second term, captures the fifth U.S. president with the dignified gravitas of early American leadership. Commissioned by gallerist John Doggett part of a prestigious series depicting the nation's first five presidents, this oil on canvas work—now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing—exemplifies Stuart's mastery of portraiture. Monroe, a Virginian and protégé of Thomas Jefferson, is shown in a classic three-quarter pose at a strewn with books and papers,oking the intellectual weight of his offi...
About the Artist
Gilbert Stuart
Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828) was born on December 3, 1755, in Saunderstown, Rhode Island. He received his first painting instruction from local portraitist Samuel King, then studied under Scottish artist Cosmo Alexander who brought him to Scotland in 1771. After Alexander died, Stuart returned to Newport before sailing to London in 1775, where he entered the studio of Benjamin West for approximately...