Gilbert Stuart was typical of his time and country in that his art was not
national but derived from England, where he received most of his training.
His masterful expression of personality, his brilliant brush-work and
treatment of light, permit him to be classed among the most gifted artists
of his age as the first truly great American artist. The Portrait of
Master Ward, painted in 1789, and one of the very few signed works of the
artist, was exhibited at the Royal Academy in the year in which it was
painted. It is considered by eminent critics the most beautiful of
Stuart’s paintings in American collections. This graceful lad, portrayed
fondling his dog, afterwards became famous as an engraver of animal
subjects.
[Death on the Pale Horse. Benjamin West, 1738-1820]