Portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson c. 19th century

This 19th-century portrait of Ralph Waldo Emerson by William B. Closson is a fine example of a realistic portrait. Emerson, a prominent American essayist, poet, and philosopher, is depicted in a simple, yet elegant, pose. The artist has focused on capturing Emerson's likeness with remarkable precision, emphasizing his thoughtful gaze and the lines of his face. The portrait, a small, intimate work, is an excellent example of Closson's ability to create engaging and expressive images of influential figures.