The artwork titled “Charles Wilson Peale” was created by the distinguished artist Benjamin West between the years 1767 and 1769. Rendered in oil on canvas, the portrait adheres to the Rococo art movement. Measuring 71.4 x 58.7 cm, this captivating piece exemplifies the portrait genre.
In the artwork, the subject is depicted half-length in a three-quarter pose, gazing thoughtfully to the side. The subject is attired in period-appropriate garments, adorned with a dark coat featuring gold buttons and a high white collar. The hand delicately holding an artist’s brush near the face suggests the intellectual and creative essence of the individual portrayed. The background of the artwork is characterized by a deep, rich red, which serves to highlight the figure through sharp contrasts of light and shadow, a hallmark of Rococo style. The fine detailing in the clothing and the contemplative expression capture both the elegance and the intellectual depth of the era, skillfully rendered through West’s masterful technique.