Albert Gallatin
Original title: Albert Gallatin
kurzbeschreibung
Around 1803, Gilbert Stuart painted the politician Albert Gallatin in oil on canvas; Gallatin served as Secretary of the Treasury under Jefferson. He appears in a dark suit with a white shirt and cravat, seated on a red chair and holding a document in his hand.
Description
Gallatin has taken his place on a red chair trimmed with gold stitching. His gaze drifts slightly to the left, and his expression stays calm and thoughtful. Wavy dark hair frames his face while one hand holds a document. A uniform dark red background sets the figure off clearly, and the muted palette matches what was customary for portraits of the eighteenth century.
Context
Stuart ranked among the leading portraitists of the young American republic. Gallatin held the office of U.S. Secretary of the Treasury from 1801 to 1814, first under Jefferson and then under Madison. The picture is presumably connected with Gallatin's political career in Washington, D.C. Alongside him, Stuart painted numerous other leading figures of the period, among them George Washington.
Impact
The portrait conveys a quiet dignity and authority, carried by the dark, muted coloring and the pensive gaze. Because the arrangement stays spare, attention settles entirely on the person and his bearing, producing an effect that feels familiar and respectful at once.
Technique
The picture was executed in oil on canvas, as was usual for portraits of this period. Stuart used fine brushstrokes for the facial features and treated the clothing and background more softly, which yields a realistic yet idealized impression.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)