President Grover Cleveland 1899

Anders Zorn rendered this portrait of President Grover Cleveland in oil on canvas. The quick, loose brushwork creates an informal, almost sketch-like quality, despite the importance of the sitter. Look closely, and you'll notice how the fluid materiality of the oil paint allows Zorn to capture the play of light on Cleveland's face and clothing. See how the thick impasto of the paint adds texture and depth, bringing a tactile quality to the image. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness; it was about evoking the President's presence through the very substance of the paint. Oil paint has always been associated with the upper echelons of society, and this painting is no exception. The choice of materials alone speaks to the wealth and status of both the artist and his subject. Understanding the materials and the making helps us to appreciate the craftsmanship and the social context of the work.