Study for the Portrait of Governor George W. Davis
Artist
Francisco Oller y Cestero
(Puerto Rican, 1833-1917)
Dateca. 1900
Object number84.1262
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions20 x 17 in. (50.8 x 43.2 cm)
frame: 25 3/8 x 22 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (64.5 x 56.8 x 5.7 cm)
frame: 25 3/8 x 22 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (64.5 x 56.8 x 5.7 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineMuseo de Arte de Ponce. The Luis A. Ferré Foundation, Inc.
Gift of Universal Insurance Co.
Collections
DescriptionThe head appears to be a study for a full portrait of the third and last military governor of Puerto Rico, General George W. Davis (May 1899-April 1900), which is now at La Fortaleza. In this portrait, considered Oller's best depiction of an American governor, the artist shows his ability to convey personality. The half-turned face, with its small eyes that do not meet the spectator's gaze, and the arrogant tilt of the head characterize this rough military career officer, who harshly repressed the popular uprisings that occurred during his term.
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