About this artwork
The Scottish-born painter John Smibert studied in London and Italy before settling in Boston in 1728. His skills as a trained formal portraitist were in great demand among the wealthy and powerful colonists in Boston. Richard Bill was a prosperous merchant and politically involved citizen. Smibert depicted him dressed in fashionable costume and standing next to a writing table. A large ship is visible through the window in the background. These details hint at Bill’s success and prestige.
-
Status
- On View, Gallery 165
-
Department
- Arts of the Americas
-
Artist
- John Smibert
-
Title
- Richard Bill
-
Place
- United States (Artist's nationality:)
-
Date
- 1733
-
Medium
- Oil on canvas
-
Dimensions
- 127.6 × 102.2 cm (50 1/4 × 40 1/4 in.)
-
Credit Line
- Friends of American Art Collection
-
Reference Number
- 1944.28
-
IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/49702/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.