Zachariah Schoonmaker 1815 - 1818

John Vanderlyn painted this portrait of Zachariah Schoonmaker, though the exact date remains unknown, it offers a glimpse into the identity and social status of privileged men in the early 19th century. Schoonmaker is portrayed with a direct gaze, embodying the self-assurance expected of men in his position. Vanderlyn’s attention to detail in Schoonmaker’s attire, from the meticulously tied cravat to the tailored coat, reflects the sitter’s wealth and standing within society. Yet, beyond the surface, this image provides insight into the construction of masculinity during a period of immense social and political change. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between individual identity and societal expectations, and the ways in which portraiture has historically served to reinforce certain power structures. What does it mean to look at this portrait today, when we are more attuned to the diverse expressions of gender and identity?