Artwork
Portrait of Jacob Gerard Koch
Portrait of Jacob Gerard Koch is an oil painting by Rembrandt Peale. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of Jacob Gerard Koch is an 1817 oil painting by Rembrandt Peale, depicting the eponymous subject in a seated, contemplative pose. The work showcases Peale's portraiture skills, blending American and European artistic influences.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Jacob Gerard Koch, a man of discerning appearance, dressed in formal attire with a book, conveying an air of intellectualism or quiet reflection. His serene, slightly smiling expression and gentle demeanor are central to the piece's subdued atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Peale employed chiaroscuro to create depth, drawing the viewer's attention to Koch. The style, influenced by Peale's exposure to French neoclassicism during his time in Paris, is evident in the meticulous detail and realistic rendering of Koch's attire and facial features.
History & Provenance
Created in 1817, following Peale's formative period in Paris, the painting is now part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Peale (February 22, 1778 – October 3, 1860) was an American artist and museum keeper.
