Artwork
Portrait of Lieutenant General Daniel Burr
Portrait of Lieutenant General Daniel Burr is a watercolor painting by John Smart. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This small oval work captures the likeness of the military figure Daniel Burr, rendered with precision and a focus on individual character.
John Smart's Portrait of Lieutenant General Daniel Burr, created in 1800, is a finely detailed miniature painting on ivory. This small oval work captures the likeness of the military figure Daniel Burr, rendered with precision and a focus on individual character. Smart, an English artist, was prominent in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for his skill in this specialized genre. The portrait is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents Lieutenant General Daniel Burr as an older man, his serious demeanor conveyed through his facial expression. He is depicted in a bright red military coat, distinguished by gold trim and white cuffs, complemented by a powdered white wig. The plain, dark background ensures that attention remains solely on Burr's features and his uniform, emphasizing his military rank and individual presence.
Technique & Style
John Smart was recognized among his contemporaries, such as Richard Cosway and George Engleheart, for his refined craftsmanship in miniature portraiture. This work exemplifies his characteristic approach, utilizing the rare medium of ivory, which enhances the vibrancy and depth of the colors. Smart employed soft shading techniques to imbue Burr's face with a three-dimensional quality, contributing to the lifelike precision for which the artist was known.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Smart (1 May 1741 – 1 May 1811) was an English painter who specialised in portrait miniatures. He was a contemporary of Richard Cosway, George Engleheart, William Wood and Richard Crosse.
