George Pollock

Before you stands "George Pollock," a captivating portrait painted between 1793 and 1794 by the renowned Gilbert Stuart. This oil on canvas masterpiece, measuring 72.1 centimeters wide and 92.2 centimeters high, is part of the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. nn The painting presents George Pollock from the waist up, seated and slightly off-center, his gaze engaging the viewer directly. Note the artist's skill in capturing Pollock's likeness: his light skin, powdered light grey hair styled in a fashionable wig, and the subtle rosy hue of his cheeks. He is dressed in a dark greenish-brown coat, the texture of the fabric beautifully rendered, with visible gold buttons. A crisp white cravat adds a touch of elegance at his neck, and his hands are clasped calmly in his lap. nn The background is a muted brown, a perfect foil to the lighter tones of Pollock's face and cravat. The lighting focuses on the subject, highlighting his features and the texture of his clothing, while subtle shadows define the folds of his coat and the contours of his face. A glimpse of a red-covered table in the lower left corner, complete with a quill pen, inkwell, and papers, hints at a scholarly or professional setting, adding depth to our understanding of the sitter. The red provides a small but effective pop of color against the otherwise subdued palette. Even a portion of the dark red upholstered chair, with its decorative nail-head trim, is visible, adding to the overall richness of the composition. nn The overall style is quintessential Gilbert Stuart: a realistic portrayal imbued with elegance and sophistication. The composition, color palette, and meticulous attention to detail create a portrait that exudes quiet dignity and intellectualism. We hope you enjoy contemplating this remarkable work.