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Lot Essay
Ezra Weston was born in Duxbury, Massachusetts on 21 July 1743. He lived on a large farm at Powder Point, and was known as “King Caesar” because he was one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in Massachusetts, owning nearly half of the town of Duxbury. His reached this success and fortune with his shipbuilding company which he started in 1764, and was listed as the largest ship owner in American in Lloyds of London. He died on 11 October 1822.
Rufus Hathway depicts Ezra Weston standing confidently surrounded by symbols of his success. Displayed are calipers, a measuring stick, and books. These items are perhaps the “gauging rod and calipers” that were listed in his inventory for four dollars. He stands near a window with ships at sail and under construction to represent his livelihood. A bill of sale from June 24th 1973 signed by Hathaway lists six portraits of the Weston family for 9 pounds. The painting of six portraits from a single family would have represented one of Hathaway's larger commissions. That it was accomplished within a year of his arrival in Duxbury is a sizeable statement about the artist's reputation and abilities.
For further information see Nina Fletcher Little, “Doctor Rufus Hathaway,” Art in America vol. 41 (Winter 1953), pp. 95-139.
Rufus Hathway depicts Ezra Weston standing confidently surrounded by symbols of his success. Displayed are calipers, a measuring stick, and books. These items are perhaps the “gauging rod and calipers” that were listed in his inventory for four dollars. He stands near a window with ships at sail and under construction to represent his livelihood. A bill of sale from June 24th 1973 signed by Hathaway lists six portraits of the Weston family for 9 pounds. The painting of six portraits from a single family would have represented one of Hathaway's larger commissions. That it was accomplished within a year of his arrival in Duxbury is a sizeable statement about the artist's reputation and abilities.
For further information see Nina Fletcher Little, “Doctor Rufus Hathaway,” Art in America vol. 41 (Winter 1953), pp. 95-139.