Mrs. Aaron Lopez and Her Son Joshua
between 1772 and 1773
Gilbert Stuart captures the quiet elegance of Mrs. Aaron Lopez and her young son Joshua in this intimate 1770s portrait. Notice the mother's strikingly tall hairstyle topped with a delicate lace cap, a fashionable statement of the era, while her son sports a dashing black bow tie that draws the eye. The visible cracking across the surface adds a layer of history, reminding us that this piece survived over two centuries to show us the refined tastes of colonial high society. Stuart, who would later become famous for painting George Washington, was just beginning to master the soft, lifelike skin tones that became his signature.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas
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