Artwork
Profile Portrait of a Man
Profile Portrait of a Man is an oil painting. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The work was acquired by the museum in 1953 as a gift from Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, who had purchased it in 1951.
The Profile Portrait of a Man is an oil on panel dated 1835 by an unidentified American 19th‑century artist. According to the work’s provenance, it originated in Chester County, Pennsylvania, before being acquired in 1951 by collectors Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch. The Garbisch collection donated the painting to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., in 1953, where it remains today.
The work, executed in oil on wood, exemplifies the portrait genre prevalent in American art of the period.
The Profile Portrait of a Man is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The work was acquired by the museum in 1953 as a gift from Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, who had purchased it in 1951. The painting is recorded in the gallery's holdings as originating from Chester County, Pennsylvania. No specific exhibition history is detailed in the provided sources, though the work remains part of the permanent collection.
Legacy
Profile Portrait of a Man, painted in 1835 by an American artist of the 19th century, entered the National Gallery of Art in 1953 after being acquired by Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch and given to the museum. Its presence in the museum’s permanent collection has placed the work within a scholarly context that highlights early American portraiture, influencing subsequent studies of the genre and featuring it in exhibitions that examine the nation’s visual heritage.
Overview
This oil painting on wood, titled Profile Portrait of a Man, presents a singular figure against a muted backdrop. The subject is depicted in a formal black garment with a white collar, his dark hair neatly styled. The composition emphasizes the man's presence, with a plain, dark gray background ensuring the viewer's attention remains solely on his profile.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures a man in profile, his gaze directed away from the viewer, contributing to a sense of introspection. His dark, slicked-back hair and a simple white collar beneath a dark coat suggest a dignified yet understated presence. The calm expression and subtle turn of the head convey a quiet seriousness, inviting contemplation of the sitter's character without overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on a wood panel, the painting demonstrates a refined technical approach. The artist employed smooth brushstrokes, particularly evident in the delicate modeling of the man's face and neck. A skillful application of light and shadow defines his features, creating depth and volume. This subtle interplay of illumination contributes to the portrait's quiet intensity and realistic rendering.
Artist & collection
