The artwork titled “Richard Morris Hunt” is a portrait painted in 1895 by the artist John Singer Sargent, utilizing the medium of oil on canvas. This piece is exemplary of the Realism art movement and measures 254 by 139.7 cm. Representing the genre of portraiture, this painting is prominently located at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, United States.
The artwork presents a full-length representation of a distinguished gentleman standing beside an intricately carved stone basin, which rests against a classic architectural backdrop featuring a grand staircase. The subject, identified as Richard Morris Hunt, stands with subtle authority, his right hand casually resting on the basin, and his left hand gripping the drapery of his cloak. The expression on his face is one of contemplation and composure. Sargent’s masterful brushwork captures the weight and texture of the subject’s clothing, the varying shades of his suit, and the folds of the overcoat. The neutral and earthy palette used creates a certain gravitas and highlights the solemnity of the subject’s character. The realism of the painting is enhanced by the meticulous details and naturalism in the depiction of both the figure and the ambient surroundings, demonstrating Sargent’s skillful hand and acute observation.
