Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Edme Quenedey des Ricets. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting’s subject is identified simply as a man, without further iconographic attributes or symbolic objects that would disclose a specific narrative.
The work titled Portrait of a Man, painted by Edme Quenedey des Ricets in 1780, is categorized as an 18th‑century portrait. Its composition shows a male sitter rendered in profile, a pose commonly employed to emphasize dignity and contemplation. The painting’s subject is identified simply as a man, without further iconographic attributes or symbolic objects that would disclose a specific narrative.
As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, the portrait functions as a visual record of the sitter’s appearance and social standing, typical of portraiture of the period.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a Man, painted by Edme Quenedey des Ricets in 1780, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work is catalogued within the museum's holdings as a portrait painting. No specific accession number or detailed exhibition history is documented in the available records.
Overview
Edmé Quenedey des Ricets, a French artist known for his miniature portraits, created Portrait of a Man in 1790. This small, circular painting depicts an unidentified male subject shown in profile, a common compositional choice during the late 18th century. The work is held in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing the refined aesthetic of its era.
Technique & Style
Quenedey des Ricets, an artist specializing in small-scale works, executed this painting with a delicate hand. The palette employs soft colors, rendering the skin with a pale tone and the fabrics in muted shades. A dark, slightly aged border encircles the round composition, enhancing its historical character. This approach aligns with the refined artistic trends of the Rococo period.
Context
Initially trained as a picture restorer, Edmé Quenedey des Ricets later became known for his portrait miniatures. His involvement extended to collaborating with Gilles-Louis Chrétien on the physionotrace, a mechanical apparatus designed for creating accurate profile likenesses. This background illuminates the artist's interest in precise representation and the prevalent fashion for profile portraits during his time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Edmé Quenedey des Ricets (sometimes Edmé Quenedey; December 17, 1756 – February 16, 1830) was a French painter and engraver, known most especially for his miniatures.
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