America / 1789
Baron FitzGibbon
Baron FitzGibbon
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Baron FitzGibbon as painting (America · 1789).
WHY IT’S INTERESTING
This portrait was painted on a large piece of textured linen, likely a tablecloth.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Gilbert Stuart (American, born The Thirteen Colonies, 1755–1828).
The museum's collection notes: A fearless politician who engineered the act of uniting Ireland with England, FitzGibbon was the newly appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland (whose duties included that of chief judge) when Stuart painted his portrait. The crownlike upper portion of FitzGibbon's mace, or ceremonial staff, is seen on the table at the right. Propped against the table is a satin and velvet purse embroidered with the royal coat of arms. Worn around the neck like an apron, the purse held the official texts of FitzGibbon's speeches. At the time he painted this work, Stuart was living in Dublin, having spent a dozen years in London. In fact, his Irish patrons regarde
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBaron FitzGibbonOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.