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Portrait of the Artist

1800
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 733
Vanderlyn, a New York native, executed this masterful self-portrait in Paris, where he had lived for four years; he was the first American-born painter to study in France. The work demonstrates the influence of Vanderlyn’s teacher, François-André Vincent, as well as that of the Neoclassical master Jacques-Louis David, who lauded the canvas at the Salon of 1800. The artist presented the portrait to his friend and patron, the American politician Aaron Burr. Vanderlyn’s fascination with France would later result in the spectacular "Panoramic View of the Palace and Gardens of Versailles" (1818–19; 52.184), also on view in the American Wing (gallery 735).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of the Artist
  • Artist: John Vanderlyn (American, Kingston, New York 1775–1852 Kingston, New York)
  • Date: 1800
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 25 1/4 x 20 7/8 in. (64.1 x 53 cm)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Ann S. Stephens, in memory of her mother, Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, 1918
  • Object Number: 18.118
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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4567. Portrait of the Artist

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More Artwork

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Study for "The Landing of Columbus on San Salvador, October 12, 1492": Roderigo Sánchez of Segovia, John Vanderlyn American, Charcoal and white chalk (lightly affixed) on light gray laid paper, American
Study for "The Landing of Columbus on San Salvador, October 12, 1492": Roderigo Sánchez of Segovia
John Vanderlyn
ca. 1840–43
The Calumny of Apelles, John Vanderlyn American, Oil on canvas, American
The Calumny of Apelles
John Vanderlyn
1849
Mrs. Marinus Willett and Her Son Marinus, Jr., John Vanderlyn American, Oil on canvas, American
Mrs. Marinus Willett and Her Son Marinus, Jr.
John Vanderlyn
ca. 1802
Francis Lucas Waddell, John Vanderlyn American, Oil on canvas, American
Francis Lucas Waddell
John Vanderlyn
ca. 1837
Mrs. Daniel Strobel, Jr. (Anna Church Strobel) and Her Son, George, John Vanderlyn American, Probably Conté crayon on off-white wove paper, American
Mrs. Daniel Strobel, Jr. (Anna Church Strobel) and Her Son, George
John Vanderlyn
ca. 1799

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