Who painted Captain Smart?

Captain Smart was painted by Unknown in 1639.

Where can I see Captain Smart?

Captain Smart is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Captain Smart?

Captain Smart is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Captain Smart

Unknown , 1639

Captain Smart is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

His portrait is one of many from that time, showing off the wealth and status of the sitter.

This painting shows a man dressed in fancy clothes, likely from the 17th century.
He's wearing a big hat and a fancy coat.
The man in the painting is thought to be Captain Smart, but not much is known about him.
His portrait is one of many from that time, showing off the wealth and status of the sitter.
This type of portrait was popular among the newly wealthy in Britain.
To learn more about this style, look at the technique of glazing.

Overview

This 17th-century oil painting, known as 'Captain Smart', is a portrait of a man dressed in elaborate attire, characteristic of the era's fashion among the wealthy.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is believed to be a member of the Smart family, possibly Rowland Smart, who held a ceremonial role in London. The painting showcases his status through his clothing, adorned with silver-gilt thread, indicating the importance of dress in conveying social standing.

Technique & Style

The portrait exemplifies the style of 17th-century British portraiture, where the depiction of clothing was as significant as the sitter's likeness. The use of oil painting allowed for detailed rendering of textures, such as the silver-gilt thread on the sitter's garments.

History & Provenance

Originally acquired by the Museum in 1892 as an example of 17th-century costume, the painting was initially housed in the Textiles Department until its transfer to the Paintings Department in 1935.