Man in a Green Coat
ca. 1779–85
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
28 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (72.3 x 59.7 cm)
Classification
Painting
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Mary Stillman Harkness, 1950
Accession Number
50.145.37
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Man in a Green Coat** Gilbert Stuart, painted around 1779–85, the poised elegance of an unidentified sitter in oil on canvas. Measuring 28½ x 23½ inches, this portrait exemplifies Stuart's early mastery, honed during his time in London and Scotland before his return to America. As a leading figure in American portraiture, Stuart would later gain fame for his iconic images of George Washington, but like this showcase his precocious talent for rendering lifelike expressions and luxurious fabrics. The vivid green coat, rendered with meticulous brushwork, highlights Stuart's skill in capturing ...
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...