Artwork
Gideon Fairman
Gideon Fairman is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist Albert Newsam. It dates from 1827 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The man is depicted from the chest up, facing forward with his head turned slightly to the right.
This painting is a charcoal portrait of a man, drawn in 1827. The man is depicted from the chest up, facing forward with his head turned slightly to the right. He has dark, curly hair and is wearing a dark jacket with a high collar and a white cravat. The background of the painting is a mottled brown color.
The man's facial expression is serious, with a slight furrow between his eyebrows. His eyes are cast downward, giving the impression that he is lost in thought. The overall effect of the painting is one of quiet contemplation.
To learn more about the artistic style of this portrait, explore the Romanticism movement.
Overview
The 1827 drawing *Gideon Fairman* is a portrait created by Albert Newsam using a combination of charcoal, pen and brown ink, and white gouache on wove paper. It depicts a man from the chest up, with a serious expression.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Gideon Fairman, was a contemporary of Newsam's, likely someone within his professional circle. Fairman's downward-cast eyes and furrowed brow convey a sense of quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
Newsam's use of varied media and subtle shading creates a nuanced portrait. The mottled brown background and detailed rendering of Fairman's attire, including a dark jacket and white cravat, demonstrate Newsam's skill.
History & Provenance
Albert Newsam, a deaf artist from Steubenville, Ohio, was orphaned as a child and studied at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. He went on to contribute to various publications and help establish lithography in the United States.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albert Newsam (May 20, 1809 – November 20, 1864) was an American lithographer and painter.
