The artwork titled “Benjamin Lincoln” was created by Charles Willson Peale in 1784. This portrait is categorized under the Rococo art movement. As a portrait genre, the artwork depicts its subject with notable attention to detail and finesse, characteristic of Peale’s painting style.
In the artwork, the central figure is dressed in a distinguished military uniform, indicative of the late 18th century. The subject’s attire features a yellowish-brown coat adorned with gold epaulettes on the shoulders, signifying a high rank. The background is a shadowy, dark oval which starkly contrasts with the finely illuminated face of the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject’s composed expression. The use of light and shadow to define the shape of the face and the texture of the garment exemplifies Peale’s skillful technique and contributes to the lifelike quality of the depiction. The careful detailing and refined brushwork are characteristic of the Rococo movement’s emphasis on elegance and elaborate compositions.
