Richard Bill

1733

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 Boston's wealthy and powerful colonists. Here, he depicted Richard Bill, a prosperous merchant and politically involved citizen. The large ship, visible through the window in the background, combined with Bill's elegant clothing, suggests his success and prestige.

Public domain · CC0
Free to download and reuse. Image courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago.

Artist

John Smibert (American, born Scotland, 1688–1751)

Date

1733

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

127.6 × 102.2 cm (50 1/4 × 40 1/4 in.)

Origin

Boston

Collection

Art Institute of Chicago

Credit

Friends of American Art Collection