Preview
Send
Share
Details
Download
Similars
X-Ray
DiaporamaThe Dunlap Family
Read More
Hand Made Oil Reproduction
Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (
Buy Print Buy Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
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.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview
Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (17 August). No compromise on quality.
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
The Dunlap Family
Reproduction Medium
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 263
Artwork Description
A Portrait Steeped in Colonial Dignity: William Dunlap's "The Dunlap Family"
William Dunlap’s “The Dunlap Family,” completed in 1788, transcends mere portraiture; it embodies the aspirations and anxieties of a burgeoning American nation grappling with its identity amidst European influences. Executed during a period marked by Enlightenment ideals and burgeoning artistic experimentation, this painting offers a glimpse into the domestic life of a prominent Philadelphia family – John Dunlap Sr., his son William Jr., and their wife Eliza — capturing not just likenesses but also an atmosphere of refined respectability. Dunlap’s stylistic approach leans heavily toward Neoclassical principles, mirroring the dominant aesthetic sensibilities of the time. He skillfully employs chiaroscuro—the dramatic interplay of light and shadow—to sculpt the figures against a muted backdrop, emphasizing their solidity and conveying a sense of solemn grandeur. The composition is carefully balanced, positioning the patriarch at the center, flanked by his son on the left and Eliza on the right, creating a harmonious visual pyramid that reflects social hierarchy. Notice particularly the meticulous detailing in the drapery—a hallmark of Dunlap’s technique—which lends texture and depth to the scene. The painting's setting – a modestly furnished parlor adorned with a chair and a clock – speaks volumes about the values of the era. The inclusion of two sports balls subtly underscores themes of leisure and aspiration, hinting at the family’s engagement in intellectual pursuits and civic duty. These objects aren’t merely decorative; they serve as symbolic representations of American ideals—the pursuit of knowledge and the commitment to upholding moral standards. Dunlap's masterful use of color contributes to this overall impression, favoring muted tones that convey tranquility and understated elegance. Beyond its formal beauty, “The Dunlap Family” resonates with deeper historical significance. Painted shortly after the American Revolution, it reflects the desire for stability and continuity amidst turbulent political upheaval. The Dunlaps represent a microcosm of the nation’s ambition to establish itself as a civilized republic—a legacy that continues to inspire artists and collectors alike. It's a testament to Dunlap's ability to capture not just appearances but also the spirit of an era, cementing his place as one of America’s foremost portraitists and chroniclers of artistic progress.- Artist: William Dunlap
- Born Year: 1766
- Death Year: 1839
- Birth City: Perth Amboy
- Birth Country: United States of America
Further Exploration:
To delve deeper into Dunlap’s artistic vision and the broader context of Neoclassical painting in America, explore these resources:
- The Dunlap Family: Examine detailed imagery and scholarly analysis at ArtsDot.
- William Dunlap: Discover biographical information and artistic output on ArtistsDatabase.
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology: Learn about Dunlap’s influence on scientific illustration and the legacy of Bangor University’s artistic heritage.
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
William Dunlap: A Pioneer of American Theater and Art
Early Life and Education
- Born: February 19, 1766, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
- Dunlap was the son of an army officer wounded at the Battle of Quebec in 1759.
- He demonstrated artistic talent early on, producing a portrait of George Washington in 1783 while staying at Rockingham in Rocky Hill.
- He later pursued formal art training under Benjamin West in London and briefly with Abraham Delanoy in New York.
A Career in the Theater
- Upon returning to America in 1787, Dunlap dedicated himself almost entirely to the theater for eighteen years.
- He became a pivotal figure in the burgeoning American theatrical scene, managing two of New York City’s most prominent theaters: the John Street Theatre (1796–98) and the Park Theatre (1798–1805).
- Dunlap was not only a manager but also a prolific playwright, producing over sixty plays, many adaptations or translations from French and German works.
- Notable Plays: The Father (1789), André (1798), The Virgin of the Sun (1800).
Return to Painting and Artistic Development
- Economic necessity prompted Dunlap to resume painting in 1805, eventually becoming a full-time painter by 1817.
- His artistic style encompassed portraiture and landscape painting, often reflecting the elegance of Rococo and Neoclassical influences.
- He focused on capturing the likenesses of prominent individuals and scenes of American life during the Federal period.
Major Achievements and Historical Significance
- Historical Record: Dunlap’s most significant contribution lies in his three-volume History of the Rise and Progress of the Arts of Design in the United States (1834).
- This work remains an invaluable resource for understanding the development of art, collecting practices, and artistic life in colonial and Federal America.
- Founding Member: In 1825, he was one of the founders of the National Academy of Design and served as an instructor at its school.
- Dunlap’s multifaceted career—as a theater manager, playwright, and artist—demonstrates his broad cultural impact on early America.
Legacy
- William Dunlap's work provides crucial insights into the artistic and theatrical landscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the United States.
- His historical writings continue to be essential for scholars researching American art history.
- He is remembered as a true Renaissance man, contributing significantly to multiple facets of American cultural life.
William Dunlap
1766 - 1839 , United States of America
Quick Facts
- Birth Date: February 19, 1766
- Birth Place: Perth Amboy, New Jersey, United States
- Death Date: September 28, 1839
- Influenced By:
- Benjamin West
- Abraham Delanoy
- Movement:
- Early American Art
- Federal Period Art
- Name: William Dunlap
- Nationality: American
- Notable Works:
- Portrait of George Washington
- History of the Arts of Design in the United States
- The Father
- André
Related Articles
Grant Wood & American Regionalism: Identity, Myth & the Rural Landscape
Explore the world of Grant Wood & American Regionalism with ArtsDot. Discover the symbolism behind 'American Gothic', recurring themes, and the movement's lasting impact on art history. High-quality reproductions available.
William Bradford: Navigating Faith, Landscape & Artistic Innovation in Early American Painting
Explore the captivating world of William Bradford, American Romanticist painter renowned for his dramatic Arctic seascapes & ship portraits. Discover his artistic evolution, influences, and lasting legacy with ArtsDot.
American Realism's Defining Works: 10 Masterpieces for Your Home
Explore 10 defining American Realism masterpieces – Hopper, Homer & more. Discover the stories behind these iconic paintings and bring timeless art to your home with ArtsDot's museum-quality reproductions. Explore the full collection online.
William H. Johnson: A Life Painted in Bold Strokes – Race, Identity & Modernism
Explore the powerful life & art of William H. Johnson – a pivotal American painter who captured African American experiences with bold expressionism and folk art style. Discover his legacy at ArtsDot.
Frederick William Jackson: Capturing the American West Through Luminist Vision & Narrative Detail
Explore the captivating works of Frederick William Jackson, a pioneer of Western realism & Luminist painting. Discover his atmospheric landscapes, depictions of Native American life, and lasting legacy. Learn more at ArtsDot.
