John Wikoff

Periodca. 1757 - 1758

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions36 × 27 in. (91.4 × 68.6 cm)

InscribedPaper label on reverse reads, "John, son of William Wikoff and / Agnes Van Dorn his wife, was / born July 11th 1729 -- Died in the / West Indies 1768. / Portrait painted by Benjamin / West in London."

ClassificationsPortraits

Credit LineGift of Miss Louise Hartshorne, 1944

Object number1906

DescriptionThree-quarter length portrait of a young, dark brown-haired male with brown eyes viewed at a three-quarter angle, wearing a reddish brown coat and waistcoat, white stock, and white cuffs. Right hand is inserted between buttons in waistcoat. His hat is cradled by the left arm. Left hand rests on what appears to be an arm of a chair. Green drapery frames the left hand side of the portrait. The remainder of the background is medium brown.
Curatorial RemarksFamily tradition states that this painting was done in London by Benjamin West about 1763. However, a careful analysis of the manner in which the sitter's face and hands were executed suggests an attribution to John Wollaston. If that is correct, this portrait was probably executed by him between 1757 and 1758 when the artist was working in Philadelphia.NotesJohn Wikoff (1729 - 1768), son of William Wikoff and Agnes Van Dorn, was a Monmouth County native who became a partner in the successful mercantile firm of Rhea & Wikoff. This partnership had establishments in Matawan and Freehold, and by the 1750s an outlet in Philadelphia. They traded regularly with Europe and the West Indies. Wikoff died in the latter in 1768, apparently while there on business. After Wikoff's death, his brother Jacob inherited the portrait and displayed it in his Shrewsbury home. During the British Army's march from Philadelphia to Sandy Hook in June of 1778, Jacob's home was set on fire by the British troops. As the crowd watched the flames spread, Jacob shouted for help, exclaiming "Oh, do save Brother John!" The portrait was saved and passed to Jacob's son, William Wikoff, who fought at the Battle of Monmouth.

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