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Eliab Metcalf
American, 1785–1834
The subject of this painting probably is Joseph H. Hawkins, a Kentucky state legislator from 1810 to 1813 and a US congressman from 1813 to 1815. The jeweled shirt stud, shinny buttons, ruffles, and tie distinguish Mr. Hawkins as a prosperous, dapper dresser. The sweeping contour of the coat lapel against the sky (although not totally realistic) echoes the silhouette of the handsome head. The upswept hair and highlighted forehead draw attention to the mind of this man. The only weakness is in the drawing of the right hand, most of which the artist hid behind the letter.
Metcalf must have portrayed Hawkins in New Orleans between the autumn of 1819 and the autumn of 1822. The rosy tones in the sky may symbolize the bright economic prospects to the west of Louisiana or the sunrise on Texas, then still a part of Mexico. Considering the outcome of Hawkins’ investments, the paper he holds may represent the worthless promissory note of an impecunious Texas settler. In 1819 he moved to New Orleans where he was an attorney and businessman. In 1821 he met Stephen Austin, the Father of Anglo-American Texas, whose Texas colonization efforts he supported financially. It is estimated from his notes and papers that he spent about $30,000 to colonize Texas. He died bankrupt in the fall of 1823.
American, 1785–1834
Honorable Judge J. H. Hawkins
1819–1822
Object Type:
Painting
Creation Place:
North America, American
Dimensions:
30 in. x 25 in. (76.2 cm x 63.5 cm)
Medium and Support:
Oil on canvas
Accession Number:
1940.0038
Credit Line:
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase
Copyright:
© Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
The subject of this painting probably is Joseph H. Hawkins, a Kentucky state legislator from 1810 to 1813 and a US congressman from 1813 to 1815. The jeweled shirt stud, shinny buttons, ruffles, and tie distinguish Mr. Hawkins as a prosperous, dapper dresser. The sweeping contour of the coat lapel against the sky (although not totally realistic) echoes the silhouette of the handsome head. The upswept hair and highlighted forehead draw attention to the mind of this man. The only weakness is in the drawing of the right hand, most of which the artist hid behind the letter.
Metcalf must have portrayed Hawkins in New Orleans between the autumn of 1819 and the autumn of 1822. The rosy tones in the sky may symbolize the bright economic prospects to the west of Louisiana or the sunrise on Texas, then still a part of Mexico. Considering the outcome of Hawkins’ investments, the paper he holds may represent the worthless promissory note of an impecunious Texas settler. In 1819 he moved to New Orleans where he was an attorney and businessman. In 1821 he met Stephen Austin, the Father of Anglo-American Texas, whose Texas colonization efforts he supported financially. It is estimated from his notes and papers that he spent about $30,000 to colonize Texas. He died bankrupt in the fall of 1823.
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