Dark Academia
James Smithson
James Roberts
An elegant 18th-century portrait of a scholar in academic dress, set against a verdant garden backdrop.
James McCosh
Alexander Hay Ritchie
1875 · Oil Paint, Canvas
A dignified 19th-century portrait of a scholarly figure, captured with rich depth and classical chiaroscuro lighting.
$129
For the selected configuration
From $129
1 frame size
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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)
Where it works
A substantial, grounding work with warm, lived-in color — holds a formal wall with confidence.
- Often works in
- Library · Study · Office
- Placement
- Works well in taller wall spaces with room around it
- Walls
- Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
- Color notes
- Charcoal black, Rich brown
About the piece
Painted in 1875 by Alexander Hay Ritchie, this portrait of James McCosh exudes a sense of intellectual gravitas. The work is characterized by its masterful control of low-key lighting and meticulous attention to texture, from the soft white of the sitter’s hair to the heavy drape of his dark robes and the worn spines of the books at his side.
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