James Monroe c. 1817

This portrait of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States, was painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1817. Stuart, a renowned American portraitist, is known for his iconic paintings of George Washington. In this work, Monroe is depicted with a serious expression, his gaze directed toward the viewer. The soft, painterly brushstrokes and muted color palette of the background create a sense of formality, highlighting the subject's important position in American history. The painting is a fine example of Stuart's portraiture style, known for its realism and focus on capturing the sitter's likeness.