Jesse Root
PainterAttributed to
Joseph Steward
(American, 1753 - 1822)
Date1788-1822
MediumPainting; oil on canvas in frame
DimensionsStretcher (height x width): 48 × 41 1/8in. (121.9 × 104.5cm)
Frame (height x width): 54 × 46 3/4in. (137.2 × 118.7cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Austin D. Barney
Object number1974.70.0
DescriptionPainting of Jesse Root attributed to Joseph Steward. Root is painted knee-length. He is sitting in a Hepplewhite shield-back arm chair, with an upholstered seat of red with brass studs. He is wearing a black coat with large buttons, a black vest, black knee britches, white stockings, and a white stock with fringe. In his right hand he holds a piece of folded paper. His other hand is free, the arm resting on the arm of the chair. Root's hair has receded back to the top of his head. The sides are worn long. He has thick, dark eyebrows and large brown eyes.
In the background, there is a table with two books on it. On the left there is a window, through which a landscape is visible. Emerging from the center of the clouds is the figure of a young child, visible from just above the waist, holding in balance the scales of justice.
NotesDate note: The date range is based on Steward's portrait painting career as described by the National Gallery of Art, and the year he died. https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.6889.htmlIn the background, there is a table with two books on it. On the left there is a window, through which a landscape is visible. Emerging from the center of the clouds is the figure of a young child, visible from just above the waist, holding in balance the scales of justice.
Subject note: This painting hung in the Jesse Root house in Coventry, CT, during the 19th century, as noted in the book Reminiscences of Austin C. Dunham.
Status
Not on view
