Edward Stow c. 1803

Gilbert Stuart, a prominent American portraitist, created this oil painting of Edward Stow around 1803. The painting depicts Stow in a three-quarter-length pose, seated in a chair, wearing a dark coat and a white cravat. Stuart's masterful brushstrokes capture the subtle details of Stow's attire and his calm, thoughtful expression. The painting is an excellent example of Stuart's iconic style, which emphasized realism and naturalism. It showcases the artist's ability to convey both the physical likeness and the personality of his subjects. This portrait exemplifies Stuart's significant role in American art history, particularly in the development of portraiture.