Artwork
Alexander Henry Durdin
Alexander Henry Durdin is a watercolor painting by the Romanticist artist Benjamin Trott. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2006.235.208
- Credit line
- Dale T. Johnson Fund, 2006
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition does not incorporate additional symbolic elements or iconographic references beyond the standard conventions of early 19th-century portraiture.
The work depicts a man, identified as Alexander Henry Durdin, presented strictly as a portrait. Created by Benjamin Trott in 1810, the piece focuses on the individual likeness rather than illustrating a narrative scene or complex allegory. As a portrait genre piece, its primary meaning lies in the representation of the sitter's identity and presence.
The composition does not incorporate additional symbolic elements or iconographic references beyond the standard conventions of early 19th-century portraiture.
Technique & Style
The portrait of Alexander Henry Durdin by Benjamin Trott is executed in watercolor on ivory, a technique characteristic of miniature portraiture of the early 19th century. The support's small dimensions, 7.6 cm in height and 6.1 cm in width, reflect the intimate scale typical of such works, intended for close viewing and private display. Stylistically, the rendering emphasizes refined facial features and controlled handling, aligning with the conventions of portrait miniatures that prioritize clarity and detail within a compact composition.
The watercolor medium allows for delicate modeling of the sitter's physiognomy, while the ivory support contributes a luminous, smooth surface that enhances the subtlety of the application. The overall handling remains restrained, focusing on precise delineation rather than painterly flourish, consistent with the formal expectations of portrait miniatures from this period.
History & Provenance
The painting Alexander Henry Durdin, executed by Benjamin Trott in 1810 as a watercolor on ivory, is part of The American Wing collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is recorded in the museum's catalogue under the classification "The American Wing" and is listed with dimensions of 7.6 cm by 6.1 cm. The work is attributed to the portrait genre and depicts a man. Exhibition records for the piece are not detailed in the available documentation.
Overview
This miniature portrait, created by American artist Benjamin Trott around 1810, depicts Alexander Henry Durdin. Executed in watercolor on ivory, the small-scale work exemplifies Trott's skill in capturing detailed likenesses. It presents a young man, dressed in a dark coat and white cravat, with his head subtly turned.
Such intimate portraits were popular keepsakes during the early 19th century, often carried or displayed in personal settings.
Context
During the early 19th century, portrait miniatures held significant cultural importance as a primary means of preserving personal likenesses before the advent of photography. Benjamin Trott was a prolific practitioner of this art form, producing numerous such works. These small, meticulously crafted portraits were cherished as private mementos, reflecting a societal value placed on personal connection and remembrance through art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Benjamin Trott (c. 1770, in Boston – 27 November 1843, in Baltimore) was an American painter who specialized in portrait miniatures.
