Sir Alexander Croke

Born and trained in Great Britain, Field spent fourteen years painting miniatures on ivory in various cities on the east coast of the United States. In 1808 he settled in Halifax, where he began executing his first oil paintings on canvas. They proved immediately popular. Field's portraits are imbued with the sense of decorum and gravitas characteristic of British neo-classicism. There is nothing to indicate where the models live, and time seems eternal. Sir Alexander Croke, wearing his judge's robe and wig, is depicted as a very solemn figure, while Lady Croke is the picture of proud aristocracy.