the collector's folio

Johann Harper Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Johann Harper our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Johann Harper · 1688 – 1746

Richard Bill

1733 · Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

A captivating portrait of Richard Bill, a man in a red coat and lace sleeves, painted in 1733 by John Smibert. Explore the elegance and detail of this historical masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

George Berkeley

1726 · National Portrait Gallery, London

John Smibert’s 1726 portrait of George Berkeley captures the contemplative Bishop in formal attire, showcasing a masterful example of British portraiture from the era. Admire this detailed oil on canvas reproduction and bring Berkeley's likeness home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20027 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Francis Brinley

1729 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york

Admire John Smibert’s 1729 portrait of Francis Brinley & his son, showcasing Dutch realism and familial affection through masterful lighting and detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Man

1720 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 125 x 100 cm

Admire John Smibert’s ‘Portrait of a Man,’ a captivating 1720 oil painting showcasing Baroque elegance & refined detail. Explore this significant Colonial American artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$586100 × 125 cm Commission at original size

Rev. Joseph Sewall

1730 · Yale University Art Gallery, Hartford

Experience John Smibert's 'Rev. Joseph Sewall' (1730), a stately portrait capturing the dignity of a clergyman. Acquire a fine art reproduction today!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs. Francis Brinley and Son Francis

1729 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york

Admire John Smibert’s ‘Mrs. Brinley & Son,’ a stunning 1729 portrait showcasing Dutch Golden Age realism & familial affection. Explore rich textures & masterful lighting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs. Edward Nightingale

1727 · Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas

John Smibert’s serene portrait of Mrs. Edward Nightingale embodies Rococo elegance, capturing the quiet dignity and refined beauty favored by 18th-century aristocratic art. Explore this exquisite masterpiece and bring timeless artistry into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

John Nelson

1732 · Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco

Experience the elegance of John Smibert's 1732 portrait, capturing John Nelson's sophisticated gaze with rich detail; discover this masterpiece reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Sir Francis Grant, Lord Cullen, and His Family

1751 · SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs. John Pitts

1735 · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Cardinal Guido Bentivoglio (after Anthony Van Dyke)

1719 · Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge

Admire John Smibert’s ‘Cardinal Guido Bentivoglio,’ a Baroque portrait after Van Dyke. Explore rich detail, dramatic lighting & ecclesiastical symbolism in this 1719 American masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Daniel, Peter, and Andrew Oliver

1732 · Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20038 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

View of Boston

1738

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20040 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Archibald and Lady Grant

1727

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20035 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Hannah Pemberton

1734 · original 76 x 64 cm

Admire John Smibert’s 1734 portrait of Hannah Pemberton – a refined Rococo piece showcasing elegance & detail. Explore colonial Boston art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$33064 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Unidentified Man

1720

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Thomas hill (formerly harwood)

Admire John Smibert’s ‘Thomas Hill,’ a striking 18th-century portrait showcasing classical elegance & dramatic lighting. Explore this refined Baroque masterpiece!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs. John Ervin (Abigail Phillipsa)

1733

Admire John Smibert’s ‘Mrs. John Ervin,’ a stunning 1733 portrait showcasing Baroque elegance & rich detail. A rare glimpse into Colonial Boston art – exquisite oil painting.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Jane Clark

1732

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Lady in Blue

1735 · Georgia Museum of Art, Athens

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Colonel George Douglas, Later 12th Earl of Morton

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a gentleman

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of mary dudley wainwright atkins

Admire John Smibert’s ‘Portrait of Mary Dudley Wainwright Atkins,’ a captivating 18th-century portrait showcasing elegance & detail. Discover this exquisite piece and explore our curated art collection.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of an Unknown Man

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Colonel James Otaway

1724

Admire John Smibert’s 'Colonel James Otaway' (1724), a stunning Baroque portrait showcasing military power & wealth through dramatic lighting & meticulous detail. A rare glimpse into 18th-century nobility.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 68 artworks by Johann Harper
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20028 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Johann Harper

1688 – 1746

Quick facts

Born1688, Stockholm, Sweden
Creative periodsmature period
Best occasionsaccent
Also known asJohannes Harper, يوهان هاربر, Иоганн Харпер
Mediumsoil on canvas
Room fitliving room
NationalitySweden
Lifespan58 years

Biography

A Legacy of Colonial Portraiture

John Smibert stands as a monumental figure in the history of American art, recognized as the first academically trained artist to bring his refined skills to the Thirteen Colonies. Born in Edinburgh, his journey from a young apprentice in Scotland to a celebrated portraitist in the New World is a narrative of profound artistic migration. His early years were shaped by the practicalities of craft, having been apprenticed to a house painter and plasterer before moving to London. It was in the vibrant artistic atmosphere of London that Smibert truly began to refine his vision, working as a coach painter and copyist, eventually studying under the esteemed Sir Godfrey Kneller at the Great Queen Street Academy. This rigorous academic foundation provided him with the technical prowess that would later define his career.

His travels through Europe further enriched his aesthetic sensibilities. Between 1719 and 1722, Smibert journeyed to Italy, where he immersed himself in the study of the Old Masters. By copying works within the collection of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, he absorbed the nuances of light, shadow, and classical composition. This period of intense observation allowed him to develop a style characterized by meticulous detail and a masterful handling of chiaroscuro, creating portraits that possessed both physical accuracy and a deep, psychological resonance.

The Arrival in America and Artistic Maturity

The trajectory of Smibert's life changed irrevocably when he was enticed by Bishop Berkeley to accompany him to America. While the ambitious plan to establish a college in Bermuda never came to fruition, the move led Smibert to settle in Boston, where he would leave an indelible mark on the colonial landscape. In this new setting, he became a cornerstone of the burgeoning American art scene, establishing a tradition of portraiture that would influence generations of artists, including his son, Nathaniel Smibert.

Smibert's work in Boston was marked by an ability to capture the dignity and social standing of his subjects. His portraits, such as those of Rev. Joseph Sewall and Richard Bill, are more than mere likenesses; they are carefully constructed studies of character and status. In these works, one can observe:

The use of rich colors and textures that convey the elegance of 18th-century attire.
A sophisticated command of light and shadow to imbue subjects with a sense of realism and depth.
A balanced composition that often utilizes subtle gestures and background elements to suggest the subject's social position and inner contemplation.

One of his most influential achievements remains Dean George Berkeley and His Entourage, also known as The Bermuda Group. This painting serves as a vital historical document, capturing a specific moment of colonial ambition and the interconnectedness of the Atlantic world. Through his brush, Smibert did not merely paint faces; he captured the very essence of an era, bridging the gap between European academic tradition and the emerging identity of colonial America.

Questions & Answers

Can I browse Johann Harper's works by medium?

To find all works by Johann Harper in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

Can I explore Johann Harper's works by keyword?

The By Keywords page of Johann Harper groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

Where can I find statistics about Johann Harper's works?

The Stats page of Johann Harper presents statistics computed from the artist's artworks listed on this website.

By the OriginalUniqueArt.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 10, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was John Smibert born?
Under which artist did John Smibert study at the Great Queen Street Academy?
In which American colony did John Smibert establish a tradition of portraiture?
What was the profession of John Smibert's father, John Smibert?
Which famous group portrait by Smibert is currently held in the Yale University Art Gallery?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your Johann Harper

Every artwork by Johann Harper in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by Johann Harper