Artwork Page for Portrait of John D. Rockefeller

Details / Information for Portrait of John D. Rockefeller

Portrait of John D. Rockefeller

1857–58

William C. North

(American, 1814–1890)
Culture
America
Medium
ambrotype, sixth plate
Measurements
Overall: 9.5 x 8.3 cm (3 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Stephan Loewentheil 2023.130
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

John D. Rockefeller was around 18 and working as an assistant bookkeeper when he went to have his portrait taken.

Description

This elegant, spare portrait unites two significant figures in the history of Cleveland. Its subject is oil magnate and entrepreneur John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937), the founder of Standard Oil and perhaps the world’s first billionaire. His photograph was taken by William C. North, arguably the most eminent early Cleveland photographer.
An ambrotype portrait portrays a youthful John D. Rockefeller with a light skin tone and dark hair parted left. He gazes forward, his cheeks delicately tinted pink. He wears a dark jacket over a white shirt and vest, a fine, thin chain visible across his chest. The image is housed in an ornate gold-colored frame, the lower mat stamped "W.C. NORTH CLEVELAND, O." Soft highlights catch on his forehead and the frame's intricate, embossed patterns.

Portrait of John D. Rockefeller

1857–58

William C. North

(American, 1814–1890)
America

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