Gilbert Stuart was an American painter born on December 3, 1755, in Rhode Island. He is best known for his portraits, particularly of prominent figures such as George Washington. Stuart's style combined realism with a unique ability to capture the personality of his subjects, making his works highly sought after. Stuart's most famous painting is the Athenaeum Portrait of George Washington, which became the basis for many reproductions. Throughout his career, he painted over 1,000 portraits, contributing significantly to American art. He passed away on July 9, 1828, leaving a lasting legacy in portrait painting.