Artwork
C. Edwards Lester
C. Edwards Lester is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Charles Loring Elliott. It dates from 1846 and is held in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts. C.
About this work
Overview
C. Edwards Lester is a portrait painted in oil by Charles Loring Elliott in 1846. The work is part of the Detroit Institute of Arts collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a bearded man in a dark coat with a white collar, his steady gaze directed outward. The plain, dark background emphasizes his features, achieved through the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates strong contrasts between light and dark.
Technique & Style
Elliott employed soft lighting to highlight the subject's face, making his features stand out against the shadowy background. The painting is characterized by its use of chiaroscuro, a technique that adds depth and drama to the portrait.
History & Provenance
Elliott painted C. Edwards Lester the same year he was elected to the National Academy of Design. Having worked in central New York, Elliott moved to New York City in 1845 to further his career as a portrait painter.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Loring Elliott (1812 – 1868) was an American painter known for his portraits.
