portrait; seated three-quarters to the left. eyes dark blue, hair and side-whiskers light sandy color; left hand resting on table holds a book into which his index finger is thrust; black coat, buttoned, white collar, neckcloth and a starched ruffed shirt.

Portrait of Alexander Townsend, 1809

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This portrait of Alexander Townsend, a well-known Boston lawyer and orator, was painted soon after Gilbert Stuart had moved from Washington, D.C. to Boston. Because of the trade embargo with England and France, Stuart resorted to painting on a wooden panel rather than on canvas, which had to be imported.

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Details
Title
Portrait of Alexander Townsend
Artist Life
1755 - 1828
Role
Artist
Accession Number
51.34
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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portrait; seated three-quarters to the left. eyes dark blue, hair and side-whiskers light sandy color; left hand resting on table holds a book into which his index finger is thrust; black coat, buttoned, white collar, neckcloth and a starched ruffed shirt.