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James Monroe

ca. 1820–22
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 774
The fifth president of the United States, James Monroe, was a Virginian who enjoyed the advantages of being the disciple and political protégé of Thomas Jefferson. Before becoming president, he had held many diplomatic posts, including service as ambassador to France and to England. The year after this picture was completed, he issued the famous Monroe Doctrine, a statement against any intervention from foreign governments in the affairs of the hemisphere. The three-quarter pose at a desk with books and papers, the billowing drapery, and the liberal use of strong, pure red are all elements of a formula that Stuart, like the Spanish Goya, frequently employed in portraits of statesman.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: James Monroe
  • Artist: Gilbert Stuart (American, North Kingston, Rhode Island 1755–1828 Boston, Massachusetts)
  • Date: ca. 1820–22
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 40 1/4 x 32 in. (102.2 x 81.3 cm)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Seth Low, 1916
  • Object Number: 29.89
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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