Portrait of Thomas Clay (1753

Currently not on view

Portrait of Thomas Clay (1753 - 1793)

1759

John Hesselius (American, 1728–1778)

John Hesselius was born in Philadelphia and received his artistic training from his father, Gustavus Hesselius, who emigrated from Sweden to the United States. Influenced by the work of American painter Robert Feke and London-trained portraitist John Wollaston, the younger Hesselius painted the elite of Philadelphia, Delaware, and Virginia before eventually settling in Maryland, where he briefly taught the then-fledgling artist Charles Willson Peale. This stylish portrait of Thomas Clay (1753–1793), shown with his bow and arrow, is an excellent example of the artist’s colorful, mature style.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Portrait of Thomas Clay (1753 - 1793)

Date:

1759

Artist:

John Hesselius (American, 1728–1778)

Medium:

Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

28 x 23 inches (71.1 x 58.4 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of the McNeil Americana Collection, 2009

Accession Number:

2009-16-9

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view