Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist Benjamin Trott. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
A man in a dark coat looks straight out, his powdered hair and crisp collar softly lit. Benjamin Trott painted it in 1798 in watercolor on ivory, a rare support that let him layer colors like glass so the skin seems to glow, unlike the usual oil on canvas.
Technique & Style
Portrait of a Gentleman (1798) is a watercolor painting executed on a thin ivory support, as recorded in the Metropolitan Museum of Art catalogue.
Portrait of a Gentleman (1798) is a watercolor painting executed on a thin ivory support, as recorded in the Metropolitan Museum of Art catalogue. The work measures approximately 6.8 cm in height by 5.6 cm in width and portrays a seated gentleman in a conventional portrait format. Its execution employs the delicate washes and fine detailing characteristic of watercolor on ivory, a medium frequently used for miniature portraiture in the late eighteenth century.
The composition emphasizes a realistic rendering of facial features and attire, while the limited palette and soft tonal transitions create a subdued, elegant visual tone. The piece is catalogued within The American Wing’s portrait genre.
History & Provenance
The Portrait of a Gentleman was created by Benjamin Trott in 1798. Executed as a watercolor on ivory, the work measures 6.8 by 5.6 units. It is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified under the American Wing.
The artwork depicts a male subject and is categorized as a portrait. Specific details regarding the original commission, the identity of the initial patron, or the chain of ownership prior to its acquisition by the museum are not provided in the available documentation.
The Portrait of a Gentleman, created by Benjamin Trott in 1798, is held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is classified under The American Wing and is assigned the accession number 2006.235.207. The work is a watercolor on ivory measuring 6.8 by 5.6 centimeters.
While the sources confirm the painting's current location, creator, date, medium, dimensions, and specific inventory number, they do not provide details regarding a history of public exhibitions or prior loan records.
Overview
Benjamin Trott's Portrait of a Gentleman, created around 1798, exemplifies the portrait miniature genre. Rendered in watercolor on ivory, this small-scale work captures the likeness of an unidentified man. It reflects the Rococo aesthetic prevalent in late 18th-century portraiture, showcasing the artist's skill in detailed, intimate depictions. This piece is part of the American Wing's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The miniature presents a man in a dark coat, his gaze directed forward. His features are softly illuminated, highlighting his powdered hair and the precise details of his crisp collar. This direct portrayal, characteristic of the era's portraiture, aimed to capture the individual's presence in a personal and enduring format, often intended for private viewing or as a memento.
Context
Benjamin Trott was a prominent American miniaturist, known for his precise and intimate portraits. Born in Boston and later establishing his practice in Baltimore, he specialized in these small-scale works, which offered a more personal and portable alternative to larger oil paintings. Such miniatures were often cherished as private keepsakes, sometimes even set into lockets or small frames, reflecting their intimate nature and value as personal mementos.
Artist & collection
Artist
Benjamin Trott (c. 1770, in Boston – 27 November 1843, in Baltimore) was an American painter who specialized in portrait miniatures.
