John Watts, Chancellor

Copied George Edwin Bissell, John Watts, Chancellor, cast 1891, bronze, 17 1⁄2 x 4 x 4 in. (44.5 x 10.2 x 10.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Watts De Peyster, XX92
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
John Watts, Chancellor
Artist
Date
cast 1891
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
17 1⁄2 x 4 x 4 in. (44.5 x 10.2 x 10.2 cm)
Markings
base left: Geo. E. Bissell/Sculptor
Credit Line
Gift of John Watts De Peyster
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait
  • Dress — ceremonial
  • Occupation — political — statesman
  • Occupation — other — philanthropist
  • Portrait male — Watts, John — full length
  • Object — written matter — scroll
Object Number
XX92
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/XX92

Artwork Description

This portrait is a smaller version of a larger public sculpture that George Edwin Bissell created for the Trinity Church yard in New York. John Watts was a merchant and a politician noted for his philanthropy, including the establishment of a free clinic and orphanage. The sculptor, however, depicted the sitter in full judicial robes, emphasizing his legislative career rather than his social achievements.