Olivia
The primarily monochromatic The Skater, done in oil by Gilbert Stuart, is a surprisingly rich portrait. Depicting William Grant, a Scottish “gentleman,” the portrayal was executed during Stuart’s sojourn in England. Departing from traditional portraiture, Stuart weaves a mirthful twist into the time-honored emphasis on gravitas. The composition prominently features William Grant in motion, gliding effortlessly over a frozen pond. The artist has emphasized the movement of his ice-skating subject as his coattails are softly blurred. The man’s reflection in the ice is unfocused, softened by his movement. Yet amidst the change that the gliding motion implies, order prevails. Stuart’s portrait accentuates a strong vertical axis, as the trees and the skater stand erect. Stuart executes the upper torso of William Grant as a hardened and nearly austere force. Grant’s crossed arms, knitted brow, and distant gaze symbolize his power and prestige. Unlike the revelers in the background, William Grant proceeds alone, forging his own path to greatness. Simultaneously solemn and vibrant, Grant exemplifies those that have found prestige based upon their talents rather than their birthrights. The ability to embrace motion as a constant in life denotes, as cultural historian Jay Fliegelman proposes, the ability of William Grant to thrive in a mercantile society.
Works Cited
Miller, Angela, et al. American Encounters: Art, History, and Cultural Identity. London: Prentice Hall, 2008. 135 – 169.
Image Cited
“The Skater.” 30 August 2012. Wikipedia. 21 October 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Skater>.
The primarily monochromatic The Skater, done in oil by Gilbert Stuart, is a surprisingly rich portrait. Depicting William Grant, a Scottish “gentleman,” the portrayal was executed during Stuart’s sojourn in England. Departing from traditional portraiture, Stuart weaves a mirthful twist into the time-honored emphasis on gravitas. The composition prominently features William Grant in motion, gliding effortlessly over a frozen pond. The artist has emphasized the movement of his ice-skating subject as his coattails are softly blurred. The man’s reflection in the ice is unfocused, softened by his movement. Yet amidst the change that the gliding motion implies, order prevails. Stuart’s portrait accentuates a strong vertical axis, as the trees and the skater stand erect. Stuart executes the upper torso of William Grant as a hardened and nearly austere force. Grant’s crossed arms, knitted brow, and distant gaze symbolize his power and prestige. Unlike the revelers in the background, William Grant proceeds alone, forging his own path to greatness. Simultaneously solemn and vibrant, Grant exemplifies those that have found prestige based upon their talents rather than their birthrights. The ability to embrace motion as a constant in life denotes, as cultural historian Jay Fliegelman proposes, the ability of William Grant to thrive in a mercantile society.
Works Cited
Miller, Angela, et al. American Encounters: Art, History, and Cultural Identity. London: Prentice Hall, 2008. 135 – 169.
Image Cited
“The Skater.” 30 August 2012. Wikipedia. 21 October 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Skater>.