Patrick Tracy 1784 - 1786

John Trumbull painted this portrait of Patrick Tracy using oil paint on canvas. The final image displays the culmination of skills, materials, and a certain degree of labor-intensive work. The canvas itself is a woven textile, likely linen or cotton, stretched to provide a receptive surface for the oil paint. The oil paint is a mixture of ground pigments and oil that allowed Trumbull to achieve subtle gradations of tone and texture. Note the careful rendering of the sitter's clothing, the drape of the coat, and the details of the buttons. These are captured with remarkable precision. However, it is the very act of creating such a faithful likeness that imbues the painting with social significance. The portrait becomes a marker of status. Oil paint on canvas was still precious and the exclusive domain of the wealthy. It wasn't just about the cost of the materials but also the time required for the artist to produce it. This portrait underscores the relationship between artistic skill, the materials used, and the sitter's place in society.