Old World Portraits
Edward Nightingale
John Smibert
An elegant 18th-century portrait of a scholarly young gentleman holding a volume in his study.
James Smithson
James Roberts
1786 · Oil Paint, Canvas
An elegant 18th-century portrait of a scholar in academic dress, set against a verdant garden backdrop.
$243
For the selected configuration
From $129
6 frame sizes
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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 measured, grounding piece in a warmer tonal register — adds structure to a more polished room.
- Often works in
- Study · Library · Office
- Placement
- Works well as a centered vertical note
- Walls
- Best where a lighter wall gives it room to show
- Color notes
- Charcoal black, Rich brown, Olive green
About the piece
Painted in 1786 by James Roberts, this portrait depicts James Smithson, the scientist and founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution, as a young graduate of Oxford. Wearing a traditional mortarboard and academic gown, he is captured in a moment of quiet contemplation within a classical garden setting.
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