Who painted Baron FitzGibbon?

Baron FitzGibbon was painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1789.

Where can I see Baron FitzGibbon?

Baron FitzGibbon is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Baron FitzGibbon?

Baron FitzGibbon is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Baron FitzGibbon

Gilbert Stuart , 1789

Baron FitzGibbon is an unspecified painting by the Romanticist artist Gilbert Stuart. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The purse and staff were symbols of his job—carrying them showed he spoke for the king.

A man in a red robe sits at a table, holding a quill. Behind him, a velvet purse and a gold-tipped staff rest against the furniture.

This is Baron FitzGibbon, a powerful judge in Ireland. The purse and staff were symbols of his job—carrying them showed he spoke for the king. Gilbert Stuart painted him just after Ireland joined England, a time of big changes.

To see more portraits like this, look up Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828).

Overview

Baron FitzGibbon, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, is depicted in this portrait by Gilbert Stuart, created during a pivotal moment following the union of Ireland and England.

Subject & Meaning

FitzGibbon, a key figure in Irish-English unification, is shown with symbols of his authority: a ceremonial mace (partial, on the table) and a royal-embroidered purse (containing official speeches), signifying his role as the king's representative.

Technique & Style

Stuart's composition features a seated FitzGibbon in a red robe, holding a quill, with the aforementioned symbols of office prominently displayed. The style reflects Stuart's established portrait technique, honed during his dozen years in London.

History & Provenance

Painted during Stuart's period in Dublin (prior to 1793), the work was created for Irish patrons who perceived the artist as British. Stuart subsequently returned to America, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Context

The portrait captures a moment of significant political change, following the union of Ireland and England, with FitzGibbon at the forefront as Lord Chancellor and chief judge.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gilbert Stuart

Gilbert Stuart (né Stewart; December 3, 1755 – July 9, 1828) was an American painter born in the Rhode Island Colony who is widely considered one of America's foremost portraitists.