Richard Morris Hunt 1895

John Singer Sargent painted this oil on canvas portrait of Richard Morris Hunt, the architect of Biltmore, in 1895. Sargent uses traditional materials and processes to depict Hunt in the grand entrance hall of the estate he designed. The painting’s material influence is evident in its textured surface and the way Sargent captures the weight and form of Hunt’s figure. Oil paint allows for blending and layering, creating depth and dimension. The skilled application of paint mimics the textures of Hunt’s clothing and the stone architecture surrounding him. The artist’s technique belongs to a history of fine art portraiture, emphasizing the status and profession of the sitter. The amount of work involved in the production process is considerable, from the preparation of the canvas to the layering of paint. The portrait captures Hunt at the height of his career, symbolizing the opulence of the Gilded Age and the labor required to construct such estates. By examining the materials, making, and context of this painting, we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.