| Gilbert Stuart (1755-1825) | ||
| National Gallery of Art National Gallery of Art (first five Presidents) Stuart's Portrait of Washington |
Stuart began painting at age 13
and later spent five years in London as an assistant to West (1775-1780). When some
suggested that he "could not paint below the fourth button," he produced his
famous work The Skater. He remained in England until 1792. Some time was spent in debtor’s prisons because of his high
lifestyle. Stuart returned to the United States with plans to repay his debts by painting portraits of George Washington (Athenaeum). He could complete portraits rapidly. His philosophy was, "Paint what you see, and see with your own eyes."
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Stuart was
not a good steward of his money.