John G. Read 1833

This portrait of John G. Read, painted in 1833 by Royall Brewster Smith, showcases the style of American folk portraiture. The subject is depicted in a formal pose, wearing a dark suit and white cravat, against a simple green background. Read's relaxed posture and the book in his hand suggest his occupation or intellectual pursuits. Smith's use of vivid colors and simplified details are characteristic of the period, reflecting a focus on capturing likenesses rather than intricate realism. This painting serves as a valuable glimpse into the lives of everyday individuals during the early 19th century.