Portrait of Dr. Mason Fitch Cogswell 1791

Ralph Earl’s 1791 portrait, "Portrait of Dr. Mason Fitch Cogswell," is a striking example of American portraiture in the late 18th century. The painting depicts Cogswell, a prominent physician and educator, seated in a chair against a backdrop of bookshelves, emphasizing his intellectual pursuits. Earl's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the realistic rendering of Cogswell's features, the rich textures of his clothing, and the carefully arranged objects in the background. The composition suggests both formality and intelligence, capturing Cogswell's status as a respected figure in his community.