John G. Read

Royall Brewster Smith

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a man with fair complexion and light brown hair, depicted in a half-length portrait. He is seated, facing forward with a slight tilt to his left. The man has sharp eyebrows, deep-set eyes, a defined nose, and lips, creating a composed expression. He is dressed in a formal black coat over a white shirt with intricate ruffles, and holds a red book in his right hand. A red and gold textile is draped over the armrest of his chair. The background is solid green. Text on the left side of the image states "JOHN G. READ BORN NOV' 1, 1799 PAINTED OCT' 1833."