Artwork
Portrait of General David Cobb (1748-1830)
Portrait of General David Cobb (1748-1830) is an unspecified painting by the American Impressionist artist Gilbert Stuart. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
If you're interested in learning more about this style of art, you might want to look up the work of artist Gilbert Stuart.
This painting is a portrait of a man with white hair and a serious expression. He is wearing a dark jacket over a white shirt. The background is dark, which makes the subject stand out.
The man's face is the main focus of the painting. His eyes seem to be looking straight at you, and his eyebrows are slightly furrowed. The artist has used a lot of detail to show the texture of his hair and the folds of his clothing.
This painting is a great example of a portrait from the early 19th century. If you're interested in learning more about this style of art, you might want to look up the work of artist Gilbert Stuart.
Overview
Gilbert Stuart executed this oil portrait in 1820, depicting the former Revolutionary officer David Cobb, who later held judicial and legislative posts in Massachusetts. The work belongs to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it is displayed among other early‑American portraiture. Stuart, a leading portraitist of his era, is best known for his numerous depictions of public figures.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, General David Cobb (1748‑1830), appears with white hair, a solemn expression, and direct gaze, suggesting the gravitas of his military and civic service. His attire—a dark coat over a white shirt—conveys the modest dignity typical of early‑Republic officials, while the restrained composition emphasizes personal character over ornamental display.
Technique & Style
Stuart renders the figure with meticulous attention to texture: fine brushwork delineates the hair’s sheen and the fabric’s folds, while the dark, non‑elaborate background isolates the subject. The chiaroscuro modeling and crisp detailing reflect the artist’s mature portrait style, balancing realism with a restrained, almost neoclassical compositional clarity characteristic of early nineteenth‑century American painting.
History & Provenance
Created near the end of Stuart’s career, the portrait entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s collection through acquisition in the early twentieth century. Its provenance traces back to Cobb’s descendants, who preserved the painting before it was transferred to the museum, ensuring its continued public accessibility as a document of post‑Revolutionary leadership.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
