Artwork
Portrait of William Pepperrell
Portrait of William Pepperrell is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist John Smibert. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1745 oil painting is a portrait of William Pepperrell, created by John Smibert, a Scottish-born artist trained in Europe.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is depicted standing in a landscape, wearing formal attire with a red coat and powdered wig, holding a rolled-up paper and pointing downward, suggesting a connection to his professional or military life.
Technique & Style
The portrait reflects the Rococo style, characterized by its refined and decorative approach, and showcases Smibert's skill in portraiture, utilizing elements like chiaroscuro to convey depth.
History & Provenance
Painted by John Smibert, the first academically trained artist to work in British America, the portrait is now held in the Peabody Essex Museum collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Smibert (24 March 1688 – 2 April 1751) was a Scottish-born painter who specialised in portrait painting and was the first academically trained artist to work in British America.
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