Gilbert Stuart
American, 1755–1828

And

Jane Stuart
American, 1812–1888

 

In 1818 the Rhode Island legislature commissioned Gilbert Stuart to paint a full-length portrait of naval officer Oliver Hazard Perry (1785-1819), a native of that state. Perry became a national hero in the War of 1812 after defeating a British squadron near Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on Lake Erie. Though the full-length portrait was never carried out, Perry sat for this likeness just before leaving for the West Indies, where he died of yellow fever. Stuart was notorious for leaving paintings unfinished, and completed only the face. His talented 16-year-old daughter Jane finished the head, sky, and uniform after his death.

Stuart painted portraits of many of early America’s most important citizens, including the picture of George Washington that was used for the dollar bill. His distinctive style of sketchy brushstrokes and strong characterizations set the standard for American portraits for at least a generation.

Oil on wood panel, 1818-28
Purchased with funds from the Florence Scott Libbey Bequest in Memory of her Father, Maurice A. Scott, 1967.140