Menu
Preview AR preview Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image Send
Details Guide Add to favorites Download Similars X-Ray Diaporama Stats

Greenwood Clock

John Greenwood Sr. (1727-1792) was a pioneering American portrait & genre painter, engraver, and auctioneer. Known for realistic depictions of colonial life, including 'Sea Captains Carousing,' his work offers a glimpse into 18th-century America.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Switch to Print Switch to Digital Image)

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, OriginalUniqueArt.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (25 September). No compromise on quality.

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 300

reproduction

Greenwood Clock

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 300


Artist Biography

John Greenwood Sr.: A Pioneer of Early American Portraiture

  • Born: December 7, 1727, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Died: September 16, 1792, Margate, Kent, England

John Greenwood Sr. (1727-1792) stands as a significant figure in the development of American art, recognized for his contributions as an early portrait painter, engraver, and auctioneer. Born into a family with ties to Harvard University – his father was a merchant and his uncle a professor – Greenwood’s early life was marked by financial hardship following his father's death in 1742. This led to an apprenticeship with Thomas Johnston, a Boston artisan skilled in line engraving, sign painting, and japanning, laying the foundation for his artistic career.

Early Career and Travels

According to accounts from his son, Greenwood quickly surpassed his initial training and dedicated himself to portraiture. A pivotal moment arrived in 1752 when he departed Boston for Surinam, a Dutch colony in South America. This five-year sojourn proved remarkably productive; Greenwood painted over one hundred portraits of prominent colonists, earning a substantial income. His experiences in Surinam extended beyond artistic endeavors, as he documented the region's flora, fauna, and natural curiosities, demonstrating an observant eye and a thirst for knowledge.

Following his time in Surinam, Greenwood traveled to Europe, spending time in Amsterdam where he focused on mastering mezzotint engraving. He became involved in the art scene, even contributing to the re-establishment of the Amsterdam Drawing Academy. Later visits to Paris and London solidified his position as a respected artist and auctioneer.

Notable Works and Artistic Style

  • Sea Captains Carousing in Surinam (1755): This lively painting, perhaps Greenwood’s most famous work, depicts a boisterous scene of Rhode Island merchants enjoying themselves. It offers a unique glimpse into colonial social life and includes recognizable figures like Declaration of Independence signatory Stephen Hopkins.
  • Portraiture: Greenwood was primarily known for his portraiture, capturing the likenesses of prominent individuals from various walks of life. His portraits are characterized by their realism and attention to detail, reflecting the artistic trends of the time.
  • Engravings: As an accomplished engraver, Greenwood produced numerous mezzotints after his own designs and those of other artists, further expanding his reach and influence.

Greenwood’s style blended elements of realism with a touch of theatricality. His portraits aimed to capture not only the physical appearance of his subjects but also their personalities and social standing. He was influenced by European artistic traditions, particularly those prevalent in England, which is evident in his portraiture techniques.

Legacy and Historical Significance

John Greenwood Sr.'s legacy extends beyond his individual artworks. As one of the early American artists who gained international recognition, he helped establish a foundation for future generations of American painters. His versatility as an artist – encompassing painting, engraving, and auctioneering – highlights the diverse roles that artists played in colonial America. His detailed depictions of colonial life provide valuable insights into the social customs and prominent figures of the era.

Greenwood’s contributions were recognized by his contemporaries, including John Singleton Copley, with whom he maintained a correspondence. His work continues to be appreciated for its historical significance and artistic merit, offering a window into the world of 18th-century America.

john greenwood sr.

john greenwood sr.

1727 - 1792 , United States of America

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Early American art
  • Date Of Birth: December 7, 1727
  • Date Of Death: November 25, 1792
  • Full Name: John Greenwood Sr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Sea Captains Carousing
    • Elizabeth Fulford Welshman
  • Place Of Birth: Boston, United States
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.