Portrait of the Artist's Father
Classification
portraits
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Erskine Hewitt
Accession Number
1942-50-163
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
In this intimate sketch, an older man leans forward with quiet concentration, his hands gently holding a sheet of paper as he reads. Loose, expressive lines and subtle shading define the folds of his robe, the curve of his balding head, and the thoughtful tilt of his face, all set against a plain background that keeps the focus on the figure. Created in 1859 by American artist Daniel Huntington, this work is titled Portrait of the Artist’s Father and belongs to the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. As a portrait drawn from personal connection, it reflects Huntington’s sensitive approach to capturing character through everyday gestures, offering visitors a glimpse into the private world of a nineteenth-century family.