“Edward Burd” is a portrait created by Charles Willson Peale in 1820, during the Rococo art movement. The artwork portrays an elderly man named Edward Burd, rendered with meticulous attention to detail characteristic of that period.
The artwork depicts Edward Burd in a formal black coat, seated against a plain backdrop with a red curtain draped to the side. His white hair and the lines on his face suggest wisdom and experience. The artist uses gentle, naturalistic lighting to highlight Burd’s facial features, capturing a serene and dignified expression. The restrained use of color and subtle play of light and shadow are indicative of the Rococo style, which often emphasized elegance and refined detail. The composition is centered and balanced, drawing the viewer’s attention directly to the subject’s calm and contemplative demeanor.
