Baron FitzGibbon

Baron FitzGibbon by Gilbert Stuart: A fearless politician who engineered the act of uniting Ireland with England, FitzGibbon was the newly appointed Lord Chancellor…

What to notice

In Baron FitzGibbon by Gilbert Stuart, start with classical, portrait, figurative. Then look closely at this museum-described detail: The crownlike upper portion of FitzGibbon's mace, or ceremonial staff, is seen on the table at the right.

Discover

A fearless politician who engineered the act of uniting Ireland with England, FitzGibbon was the newly appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland (whose duties included that of chief judge) when Stuart painted his portrait. The crownlike upper portion of FitzGibbon's mace, or ceremonial staff, is seen on the table at the right. Propped against the table is a satin and velvet purse embroidered with the royal coat of arms.