Primary sourcePainting1790

Portrait of John Adams, American Diplomat

1790

A Dutch engraving of John Adams made in 1790, showing him as the American envoy to the Netherlands.

This 1790 Dutch print depicts Adams in his role as American diplomat to the Netherlands during his lifetime.

Ask John Adams about this source View the original

Engraved portrait print of a man in a powdered wig and dark coat with buttons, set within an ornate oval-corner frame on a pedestal. Inscription below reads John Adams, Gezant der Noord-Americaansche Staaten, in de Vereenigde Nederlanden. A draped curtain, open book, and laurel branch flank the pedestal. — Portrait of John Adams, American diplomat, engraving, 1790. Rijksmuseum, Netherlands.

About this source

What it is

This is a Dutch engraved print showing John Adams as the American diplomat to the United Provinces of the Netherlands. It is dated 1790 and is held today by the Rijksmuseum.

Why it matters

Adams served as an American representative in Europe, working to build support and credit for the new United States. This print shows how Europeans portrayed him formally, with symbols of learning and dignity such as an open book and laurel branch.

Look closer

Why might a Dutch printmaker choose to show Adams with a book and laurel branch?
What does the formal inscription under the portrait tell us about his official role?
What might this image leave out about Adams's personality or daily life?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of John Adams on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More John Adams sources

Meet the AI John Adams →

Scan of the engrossed Declaration of Independence on aged parchment. Heading reads 'In Congress, July 4, 1776' with the title 'The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America' below. Dense handwritten text fills the page; signatures appear at the bottom.

Document

Primary source

Declaration of Independence

Continental Congress (drafted by Thomas Jefferson) · 1776

Engraved print of a man in an oval frame with a laurel wreath and palm fronds, wearing a coat and cravat, standing on a pedestal inscribed with his name and title, next to an open book.

Painting

Primary source

Allegorical Portrait of John Adams

1782

Engraved portrait of a man in a dark coat with a white cravat and powdered hair, seated behind a table with a sextant, a compass, and papers. Caption below names John Adams, teacher of mathematics, navigation, and etc.

Painting

Primary source

Engraving of John Adams by J. T. Smith

J. T. Smith · 1795

Scan of a handwritten manuscript page headed 'Duplicate' with the calligraphic opening 'In the Name of the most Holy & undivided Trinity' and a preamble naming King George the Third and the United States of America.

Document

Primary source

Treaty of Paris

3 September 1783

Lithograph portrait of a man in a full-bottomed wig and dark legal-style gown with white bands at the throat, shown from the waist up, turned slightly to his left. Signature 'John Adams' below, with publisher line 'Published by Thos. McLean, 26 Haymarket' and artist credits 'H.P. Briggs Esq. R.A. Pinx' and 'W.D. Litho.'

Painting

Secondary source

Engraved Portrait of John Adams Published by Thomas McLean

W.D., after H.P. Briggs

Ready when you are

Start chatting with John Adams now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for free Get a quote for institutions