Self-portrait at 24
by Gilbert Stuart, c. 1778
Oil on canvas, 16 3/4" x 12 3/4"
Redwood Library Painting
Collection
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Gilbert Stuart
b. North Kingstown, RI, December
3, 1755
d.
Boston, MA, July 9, 1828
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His father of the same name was a Scottish refugee who arrived in America
and married Elizabeth Anthony on May 23, 1751. The Anthony family
were substantial land owners of Middletown. They have been credited
with selling property to Bishop Berkeley. However, Berkeley land
supposedly bought from Joseph and Sarah Whipple (Downing pp. 438,439; Gaustad
p. 15).
After marriage, the Stuart’s settled into house/snuff mill built near Narrow
River, head of Pettasquamcutt Pond, North Kingstown. This building,
the Gilbert Stuart birthplace, still stands. It is now a museum on
the road that bears his name. Debate concerning his birthplace, it
has been suggested Newport (Peterson pp. 152,153; Channing p. 218).
Baptized by the Rev. James MacSparran on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1756 at
the Old Narragansett Church. Church still stands in Wickford although
not in its original location.
By 1761, Gilbert the senior, experiences business difficulties. Sold
his share in mill and moved to Newport.
They lived next to Abraham Redwood (Redwood House: Located on site
of Salas' Restaurant), mentioned often by writers Stuart would supposedly
describe family home as "a hovel on Bannister’s Wharf." Questions
arise - did they live in two Newport locations, due to the fact that Redwood
and Bannister’s are completely different locations, or have the two wharves
been confused? Perhaps historians have been misled by an off handed
sarcastic remark by Stuart about his origins?
Removal to Newport allows for formal education. His mom was his initial
instructor before his enrollment at Charity School under auspices of Trinity
Church. The school - a bequest of land and monies by Collector of
Customs Nathaniel Kay (1734), to establish a school on condition that it
teach ten poor boys their "grammar and mathematics gratis." Location:
on the site now occupied by former Shiloh Baptist Church, southwest corner
of Mary and School Streets.
Taught by Rev. George Bisset, assistant minister of Trinity, and John Ernest
Knotchel. Through this school, Benjamin Waterhouse [q.v.] becomes
acquainted with Stuart. Historians use many references from Dr. Waterhouse
concerning Stuart. They may or may not have been classmates, most
likely not.
Stuart, by twelve years of age, exhibits skill in drawing. There
are at least two versions of the situation leading to what many consider
his first work. The Dr. William Hunter story: Stuart, not feeling
well, was attended to by Hunter. Hunter noticed drawings made in chalk
and charcoal on sides of the barn. He asked Mrs. Stuart who was responsible.
The other version: Dr. Hunter noticed many tracings done in chalk
and charcoal on various barns and fences. Inquiries were made, leading
him to Stuart. Either way, Stuart painted Dr. Hunter’s two dogs.
This painting of Hunter’s spaniels under a Townsend & Goddard card
table c. 1770 places Stuart at age 14 or 15. This painting today,
is on display at the Hunter House on Washington Street. Keep in mind,
this was the home of William Hunter [q.v.], the son of the doctor.
In or around 1770, Stuart made the acquaintance of European artist Cosmo
Alexander, a visitor of the colonies who made portraits of local patrons,
including Dr. Hunter. Alexander takes an interest in Stuart.
Gilbert becomes a pupil and received instruction in drawing from him.
They sailed for Great Britain together around 1772.
Upon arrival, Alexander passed away almost immediately. Leaves Stuart
in care of his friend Sir George Chambers, who succumbs soon afterwards.
Little is known of his two year stay in Great Britain. However, the
picture has been painted bleak.
Eventually sailed home, enduring hardship travel, settled in Newport (1774-1775).
Now, about nineteen years of age, Stuart is called upon to paint the portraits
of various Newport and Rhode Island families.
Painted two portraits of the Bannisters, often incorrectly referred to
as being done when he was either thirteen or fourteen years of age.
Portraits now in possession of Redwood Library. Stuart refused a
request from an important Redwood Library committee to do a full length
portrait of Abraham Redwood.
War of Independence becomes reality, Stuart’s family removed to Nova Scotia
permanently. Apparently there would be no work for an artist in the
colonies, Gilbert heads for Great Britain - arrived there in November 1775.
Married Charlotte Coates on May 10, 1786, eventually has large family.
Returned to the United States in 1792 or 1793. Focuses his talents
on portraits of George Washington. At the turn of 19th century produced
full length portraits of Washington for State of Rhode Island. The
two portraits today are at the State House in Providence and Colony House/Old
State House in Newport.
Since arrival to America, lived in NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and
made permanent residence in Boston after 1805. In the 1820’s, after
an absence of almost 50 years, Stuart returned to his boyhood home, Newport.
His description - "The dust and grime of many years covered spots which
were fresh and fair in my boyish years." He walked the streets, visited
graveyards, stopped at Trinity Church, walked up the hill and in his words,
"I then visited the stone mill, and mentally renewed my questionings respecting
that strange and meaningless structure; cast a glance at the Redwood Library
building, admired its unique architecture, so classical, so refined; examined
a few folios, and reverently gazed at their pictorial embellishments."
(Channing pp. 221,223).
Stuart died in Boston, buried in Common Burying Ground, also known as South
and Central Burial Ground near Boston Common. Precise location of
grave is unknown. Not long after his death - widow Charlotte and
daughters Anne and Jane move to Newport. Jane the youngest
daughter was a portrait painter and sole supporter of the family after
her father’s death.
Charlotte died in September 1847. Jane lived in various Newport locations
including #62 Washington Street, #32 Kay Street and #86 Mill Street.
Anne passed away September 1868. Jane died here on April 27, 1888.
Fence no longer surrounds family plot at Common Burial Ground - one marker
represents family including memorial to Gilbert Stuart.
The Redwood Library has in its possession - in addition to the Bannister’s
- a self portrait, Benjamin Waterhouse, William Redwood and Charles Goodwin
Ridgely. Portraits by Jane Stuart are also within the collection.
Considered to be among the greatest portraitists in the history of American
art. Debt plagued him his entire life. Three types of portraits
of George Washington. "The Vaughan Type," "The Lansdowne Type," and
"The Athenaeum Head" - the latter used on the United States one dollar
bill.
Bibliography
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