A portrait painting of Richard Johnston Gittings, Sr. prior to his marriage to Mary "Polly" Sterett, 1788. Oil on canvas. The portrait depicts Richard Gittings, with dark brown hair and gray eyes, sitting next to a polished mahogany table. The table is covered with letters and papers that read "Ship..." and "Bills of Lading." Underneath the paperwork, a calf-bound book with a red label is reflected in the polish. Richard wears a dark brown coat with large brass buttons. His gold silk waistcoat has gold piping on the edges and silk coverings for the buttons. At his neck is a white silk cravat, or neckcloth, tied in a large bow. A lacy jabot billows from the wide neck of the waistcoat which is fastened with an oval black onyx neckpin. At his sleeves are matching lace cuffs. His gaze rests directly upon the viewer and his right hand is tucked inside his waistcoat.