Samuel Cutts

Joseph Blackburn

ca. 1762–63 · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

Blackburn, a British immigrant, worked in the Boston area for only nine years before returning to England. The companion portraits of Samuel Cutts (1726–1801), a prosperous merchant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Anna Holyoke (1735–1812; 1979.196.2) of Boston, executed around the time of their marriage, seem to have been among the last works he painted in this country. Cutts, his proudly substantial figure dominating the picture, turns to face the spectator. The harbor view through the window refers to his shipping business.

Artist

Joseph Blackburn

Date

ca. 1762–63

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Bequest of Clarence Dillon, 1979