The Boardmans of New Milford, Connecticut, were among Earl's most loyal and generous patrons. They commissioned nineteen portraits from him, including this extraordinary likeness of the richly dressed dry-goods merchant Elijah Boardman (1760–1823) standing in his store. The work is considered a masterpiece of American portraiture. Earl has placed his knowledge of the aristocratic British style of Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough at the service of an American republican ideal—the working elite. Boardman is identified as a man of business and learning. Of towering stature, handsome and alert, Boardman engages the viewer with his attitude of supreme confidence.

Roll over the image with your mouse to explore details of this painting in greater depth.

Related Works: 1 2

Object Menu