Artwork

Portrait of Asher B. Durand

Portrait of Asher B. Durand, by Charles Loring Elliott, oil, 1860
Portrait of Asher B. Durand, by Charles Loring Elliott, oil, 1860

Portrait of Asher B. Durand is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Charles Loring Elliott. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum. Portrait of Asher B.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Asher B. Durand is an 1860 oil painting by Charles Loring Elliott, portraying the prominent American artist Asher Brown Durand from the chest up, against a dark background, with a serious expression and gaze directed to the left.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Asher Brown Durand, was a significant figure in American art. This portrait captures his likeness with attention to detail, conveying his seriousness through his expression.

Technique & Style

Elliott employed a range of colors to realistically depict Durand's features, from gray hair to dark clothing, demonstrating his skill in capturing subtle human expressions in a detailed, realistic manner.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1860, the work is part of the Walters Art Museum's collection. Elliott, established in New York City since 1845 and a member of the National Academy of Design since 1846, worked within the broader context of American portraiture.

Context

While initially associated with American Impressionism in some sources, Elliott's style in this work aligns more closely with the traditional, realistic portraiture prevalent during his time, reflecting his background as a portrait painter.

Legacy

The portrait stands as a testament to Elliott's craftsmanship and his connection to key figures in American art history, such as Durand. For deeper insight into Elliott's career, further research is recommended.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Loring Elliott

Artist

Charles Loring Elliott

Charles Loring Elliott (1812 – 1868) was an American painter known for his portraits.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Walters Art Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.