Christopher Colles 1809 - 1816

This portrait of Christopher Colles by James Frothingham, painted between 1809 and 1816, is a realistic depiction of the American surveyor, engineer, and scientist. Colles is portrayed in a seated position, wearing a dark coat over a light vest. The background is a simple, muted red and brown, drawing attention to the sitter's face and attire. This portrait is a prime example of American portraiture in the early 19th century, a time when artists like Frothingham sought to capture the likeness and character of their sitters with a degree of realism. The portrait is now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.