Thomas Smith
Paintings
Captain Thomas Smith was an American artist and mariner who lived somewhere between 1600 and 1700 and completed a self-portrait circa 1680, which is the earliest known self-portrait from America.
He lived in Boston and was a Puritan as evidenced by his dress and symbolism in the portrait. Smith is believed to have been influenced by Dutch Golden Age painting, based on his use of light and shadow which was manipulated to show emotion and expression in his portrait.
The distant sea battle is a Baroque touch, representing the painter's earthly victories, whereas the skull represents memento mori. Smith wears Puritancal "sadd" clothing, which may represent Smith's own self-questioning and negativity.[1]
The painting also includes the following poem, signed T.S. (Hughes, 35), and represents vanity:[1]
Why Why should I the World be minding
therein a World of Evils Finding
Then Farewell World: Farewell thy Jarres
thy Joies thy Toies thy Wiles thy Warrs
Truth Sounds Retreat: I am not sorye.
The Eternal Drawes to him my heart
By Faith (which can thy Force Subvert)
To Crowne me (after Grace) with Glory.
References
Michael J. Lewis (6 June 2006). American art and architecture. Thames & Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-20391-0.
Sources
Hughes, Robert. American Visions. New York: Random House, 1997.
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