Archibald Robertson

Archibald Robertson was an artist whose active period spanned the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with documented activity between 1786 and 1804. His surviving works, primarily portraiture, are indicative of the artistic styles prevalent in the decades following the American Revolution.

Robertson’s artistic output is preserved in highly reputable institutions, confirming his historical importance. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art both hold examples of his work, which include drawings and other media. Subjects represented in museum collections include prominent figures such as Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792), Pierre Van Cortlandt Jr., William Loughton Smith, James Smith Livingston, and William Udall.

The five documented works represented in these permanent collections establish Robertson’s skill in capturing period likenesses. Today, the historical significance of Archibald Robertson prints and drawings means that many images of his work are now in the public domain. The availability of high-quality prints and downloadable artwork allows these museum-quality records to be studied and appreciated widely.