18th Century Archive

Lansdowne portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart

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March 21, 201418th Century Portrait Painting WesternNo comments

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One of the most important historical portraits of George Washington, Lansdowne portrait depicts the first president of America with a humble appearance. He is standing in a room with a dress sword in a hand while other hand raised in front. Behind him is a chair and on the right side is a table, carrying an ink-spot with books, rolled paper, table cloth and white quill. The full length portrait of the America’s is a valuable painting which has survived man bad days including the War of 1812. During the war, the British soldiers had conquered the white house in which the large portrait was hung. The soldiers ate and then infamously burned down the whole white house. Luckily enough, the portrait was saved by […]

Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley

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March 18, 201418th Century WesternNo comments

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One of the famous American paintings depicting a real life event. When 18th century artist, John Singleton Copley reached in London in 1774, Brook Watson commissioned him to portray his life event when he was attacked by shark during a swim in ocean. The attacked had happened in 1749, when Watson was of 14 years old. Total of three versions were made of the event. Each with slightly different depiction method. The represented one is a romanticized version which hides the cut off leg of Watson in the depth of water. During the attack, shark had bitten off his one leg. As it would be expected for such scenes, everyone on the boat is frightened and is helping to save Watson. Watson was saved eventually […]

American, Boat, Harbor, Ocean, Sea

The Death of General Wolfe by Benjamin West

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March 18, 201418th Century History Painting WesternNo comments

(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

This historical painting represents the death of British General Wolfe who fought in the Seven Years War and after his death, became the lead hero of the war. His novice military training techniques and fighting tactics helped big at conquering Quebec from the French and ultimately winning over the whole Canada. This 1770 painting, before America became independent, though portrays the fall of a soldier but indirectly represents the triumph in the war. There are two indicators included in the painting for that. Above Wolfe’s body is the flag which still is standing. Other indicator is the minor figure on the far left. A soldier is running towards the scene raising one hand and holding the flag in another. He is carrying the message of […]

Pinkie by Sir Thomas Lawrence

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March 13, 201418th Century Portrait Painting WesternNo comments

(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

Pinkie is simple, formal portraiture from 1794 of a little 12 years old girl named Sarah Barrett Moulton. It represents her full length portrait in the background of an open landscape. She stands gracefully gazing direct into the viewers’ eyes. Apart from its beautiful depiction, Pinkie is also known for its association with another painting The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough. Pinkie Analysis It is a full length portrait representing the girl in a casual stance. The background is an open landscape. The name pinkie is given derived from her pink dress. Painter has put her in the scene in a way which makes her posture grand. The placement of the horizon at very low level and the big sky covering the girl’s body is […]

The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough

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March 12, 201418th Century Portrait Painting WesternNo comments

(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)

The Blue Boy is a painting by the English painter Thomas Gainsborough who was an expert in portraits and landscapes. The painting is suggested to be mainly a costume study, as it includes a very detailed depiction of boy’s clothing. The Blue Boy Analysis Boy is standing in the popular style of contrapposto used from the time of renaissance. He seems determined and confident in his stance. His one hand holds a plumed hat popular in 18th century while the on the other hand kept on the waist hangs a cape-like clothe. He is clothed in shiny, silky clothing. In the background is a big mountain slope with trees. Similarly dark sky seems surrounds the boy’s body in the romanticism style. Artist’s expertise at the landscape […]