Stuart, Gilbert Charles (1755-1828), was an American artist. He became famous for his unfinished portrait of George Washington, probably the best-known portrait in America.
Stuart was born near Newport, Rhode Island, and began painting at the age of 13. His early works were simple, thinly painted portraits. In 1775, he went to London and in 1777 began four years of study under artist Benjamin West. In 1782, Stuart exhibited The Skater at the Royal Academy. This graceful, luminous picture received so much praise that Stuart opened a portrait studio in London. For the next five years, the wealthy of England and Scotland sat for portraits by him. But Stuart lived so extravagantly that in 1787 he moved to Dublin to escape his debts.
In early 1793, Stuart returned to the United States, again heavily in debt. He planned to make money by painting Washington’s portrait. Washington sat for three different portraits in 1795 and 1796. The “Vaughan” type, a bust portrait, shows Washington’s head and upper body. “Lansdowne” is a full-length portrait of Washington as statesman. “Atheneum” is the familiar unfinished oval of Washington’s head. Stuart sold many copies of the portraits that he, his daughter Jane, and others made.
Stuart moved to Boston in 1805. He became noted for his charm, his ability to complete portraits quickly, and his advice to young artists.
