Artwork
James Smith Livingston
James Smith Livingston is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Archibald Robertson. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Executed in 1795, this portrait of James Smith Livingston by Archibald Robertson utilizes watercolor applied to an ivory support.
Executed in 1795, this portrait of James Smith Livingston by Archibald Robertson utilizes watercolor applied to an ivory support. The work is classified as a miniature, characterized by its diminutive scale, measuring approximately 4.1 by 3.3 units. As a portrait genre piece, the composition focuses on the depiction of a male subject.
The selection of ivory as a ground and watercolor as the pigment medium reflects standard practices for portable portraiture during the late eighteenth century, allowing for the fine detail and luminosity typical of the artist's approach within the American Wing collection.
History & Provenance
The watercolor on ivory portrait James Smith Livingston (1795) by Archibald Robertson is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, with accession number 1975.1.1140. The work has not been recorded in significant traveling exhibitions in recent decades, remaining in the museum’s permanent collection.
Overview
This watercolor on ivory depicts James Smith Livingston, created around 1795 by the Scottish-born artist Archibald Robertson. The small-scale work exemplifies the popular genre of miniature portraits, which served as intimate, portable likenesses in the late 18th century. It is considered an example of American folk art from the period, characterized by its detailed execution and direct presentation of the sitter.
Context
During the late 18th century, miniature portraits were highly sought after for their intimate scale and personal nature. Archibald Robertson, known for such works, was also an influential figure in New York's art scene. He co-founded the Columbian Academy of Painting and later authored Elements of the Graphic Arts, a treatise on artistic principles. This portrait reflects the broader artistic trends and educational efforts of its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Archibald Robertson (May 8, 1765 – December 6, 1835) was a Scottish born painter who operated the Columbian Academy of Painting in New York with his brother Alexander.
