John Smibert (American, born Scotland, 1688–1751)
Richard Bill
INV-4970
John Smibert (American, born Scotland, 1688–1751)1733
paintingamerican arts
Date
1733
Medium
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
127.6 × 102.2 cm (50 1/4 × 40 1/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Friends of American Art Collection
The Scottish-born painter John Smibert studied in London and Italy before settling in Boston in 1728. His skills as a trained formal portraitist were in great demand among the wealthy and powerful colonists in Boston. Richard Bill was a prosperous merchant and politically involved citizen. Smibert depicted him dressed in fashionable costume and standing next to a writing table. A large ship is visible through the window in the background. These details hint at Bill’s success and prestige.
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