Colonel David Humphreys c. 1808 - 1810

Gilbert Stuart rendered this portrait of Colonel David Humphreys in oil paint, a traditional material associated with fine art for centuries. Yet, rather than simply admiring Stuart’s technique, consider the material culture embedded within the image. Humphreys holds a letter, a material signifier of communication and connection, hinting at the social networks of the elite during the late 18th century. The book and inkwell further suggest Humphreys’ literacy and status as a man of letters, while the velvet of his coat speaks volumes about luxury and trade. The layering and blending of oil paint allowed Stuart to capture the textures of these different materials, creating a sense of depth and realism. By paying attention to the depiction of material culture, we can understand this artwork not only as a portrait, but as a window onto the social and economic realities of its time.