“Charles Waterton,” painted by Charles Willson Peale in 1824, exemplifies the Rococo art movement through its detailed and elegant portrayal. This portrait genre artwork captures a striking likeness with refined technique, characteristic of Peale’s craft.
In the portrait, ‘Charles Waterton,’ the central figure is depicted in a formal, three-quarter view. He wears a dark coat with a high-collared shirt that accentuates his poised demeanor. The subject holds a vividly colored bird in his right hand, its plumage rendered with lifelike precision. In front of him, resting on a book, is the mounted head of a cat, its expression frozen in a curious gaze. The background is a muted, warm tone, which serves to highlight the subject and the objects around him. Peale’s skillful use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension, creating a compelling and dignified representation.
