Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an unspecified painting by the British Romanticist artist Andrew Robertson. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the painting has been held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which lists the work in its collection and provides the current location.
The work titled Portrait of a Man was created by Andrew Robertson in 1828, as recorded in the painting’s entry and its inception date of 1828‑01‑01. It is classified as a portrait and was produced as a standalone artwork, not as part of a series or commission documented in the sources. Since its creation, the painting has been held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which lists the work in its collection and provides the current location.
This institutional ownership constitutes the documented provenance, tracing the piece from its 1828 execution by Robertson to its present status in the museum’s holdings.
Portrait of a Man (1828) by Andrew Robertson is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work is catalogued as a painting in the museum’s inventory, though no specific accession or inventory number is disclosed in the available records. The painting has not been listed in published exhibition catalogues or major survey shows within the documented sources, suggesting that its public display history is limited to the museum’s permanent collection display.
Overview
This painting, titled Portrait of a Man, was created by Andrew Robertson in 1828. The artwork features a single male figure, rendered with a composed demeanor, and is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It exemplifies the formal portraiture common during the early 19th century, focusing on a direct and unembellished representation of the sitter.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a man seated, dressed in a dark coat and a white cravat, presenting a neutral expression. His face is centrally framed within a circular composition, set against a simple gray backdrop. The soft illumination highlights his features without creating strong contrasts, contributing to the overall sense of calm and directness in the portrayal.
Technique & Style
Robertson employed smooth brushwork to achieve a refined and polished surface, a characteristic approach in formal portraiture of the period. The gentle lighting further enhances the sitter's presence, allowing his features to emerge subtly from the subdued background. This technique contributes to the painting's quiet dignity and the sense of an objective, unidealized representation.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Andrew Robertson (1777-1845) was a Scottish miniature painter born in Aberdeen. He trained in Scotland, where his teachers included Alexander Nasmyth and Sir Henry Raeburn, and in 1797 he attended the Royal Academy…
