{"product_id":"john-mclean-1761-1823-john-johnston","title":"John McLean (1761-1823) - John Johnston","description":"\u003cp\u003eA formal portrait of merchant John McLean by American artist John Johnston, featuring a maritime detail in the background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis portrait by John Johnston depicts John McLean, a merchant and benefactor, rendered in the formal style common to American portraiture at the turn of the nineteenth century. Johnston, a Boston-based painter, captures his subject in a half-length pose, seated with a calm, steady gaze directed toward the viewer. The composition follows the conventions of the era, balancing the sitter's formal attire with a subtle narrative element.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMcLean is dressed in a dark coat over a white waistcoat and cravat, his posture relaxed yet dignified. The artist employs a muted palette, allowing the soft light on the sitter's face to draw the eye. To the right, a small, painted vignette of a ship at sea appears, a common device in maritime-related portraiture of the period. This inclusion suggests McLean's professional interests or his connection to the mercantile trade. The background remains dark and indistinct, which pushes the figure forward and creates a sense of volume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohnston was known for his ability to capture the likeness of the merchant class in New England. His technique involves smooth brushwork and a focus on the textures of the clothing, from the crisp folds of the linen to the heavy fabric of the coat. The painting reflects the social aspirations of the time, where successful individuals commissioned works to document their status and professional identity. The work remains a clear example of early American portraiture, documenting both the individual and the aesthetic values of the period without unnecessary ornamentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/een-man-met-hoed-op-de-rug-gezien-joannes-bemme\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eEen man met hoed op de rug gezien - Joannes Bemme — Johannes Adriaansz. Bemme\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/morning-james-peake\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMorning - James Peake — James Peake\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"John Johnston","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58643858161999,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58643990905167,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58643990937935,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58643990970703,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58643991003471,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58643991036239,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58643991069007,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58643991101775,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58643991134543,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58643991167311,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58643991200079,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58643991232847,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/John-McLean-1761-1823-_Poster_CompositorV1_1788344887968.jpg?v=1788345470","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/products\/john-mclean-1761-1823-john-johnston","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}