Collection of the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA.
1997.01.001
Portrait of Ephraim Pentland
1820 – 1840 (Date created)
Oil
Painting
Paintings
25.75 in W
x
31.5 in H
(Object)
American
19th Century American portrait of Ephraim Pentland (ca. 1785-1839), Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Western University of Pennsylvania in 1832. Father of Abner Lacock Pentland, who portrait is in the UAG collection (INV2007.275). Probably painted by Lambdin.
Because it was painted by an unknown artist, information about this painting centers on the sitter. The 19th century work is done in the traditional portrait format, and depicts Ephraim Pentland, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Western University of Pennsylvania, now the University of Pittsburgh, in 1832. The sitter gazes directly at the viewer, his expression captured for eternity. His academic character is presented to the viewer through the glasses he wears and the book in his hands. These details indicate that he wants the viewer to know that he is a scholar, and the professional style of the portrait suggests that the viewer will only see what he wishes to show. Without other information, the "face value" is all that can be experienced from this painting. Thus, in viewing the work, one might wonder: who was the man behind the façade of the portrait? -from exhibition label for Face Value (fall 2012)
In Collection
Gift to the Western University of Pennsylvania on June 15 1899 from Miss Minerva Lacock Pentland.
Please note that cataloging is ongoing and that some information may not be complete.