The American School 1765

Matthew Pratt's 1765 painting, "The American School", captures the artistic scene in colonial Philadelphia. The scene is set within a painter's studio, with four men engaged in various aspects of artistic practice. One man, possibly a patron, examines a drawing while another sits with a brush and palette, demonstrating the artist's craft. This painting offers a glimpse into the nascent development of art education in America, where aspiring artists found their training and inspiration. The realism of the portraiture and the detailed depiction of the studio environment, reflects Pratt's skill as a portrait artist and his interest in depicting the life of the times. This painting is a valuable document of the history of art in early America and is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.