Portrait of Jeremiah Evarts 1817

This is a portrait of Jeremiah Evarts, painted by Samuel Morse with oils on canvas, a very traditional choice of material for the era. Look closely at the way Morse has worked with the qualities of oil paint to create a sense of realism. The smooth blending of colors, the subtle gradations of light and shadow - these are the result of a skilled hand and many hours of labor. Oil paint allowed Morse to build up layers of detail, capturing the texture of Evarts's skin and the sheen of his dark coat. This was the standard for formal portraiture at the time, but it is worth remembering that the production of such an image was also tied to social status. Evarts's ability to commission this work speaks volumes about his position in society, and Morse’s artistic mastery was also the product of a formal system of training and patronage. Considering the materials and the making of this portrait helps us understand not only the artistic skill involved, but also the social and economic context in which it was created.