Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Eliza Goodridge. It dates from 1829 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The classification within the American Wing highlights its significance as an example of early nineteenth-century American portraiture.
Executed in 1829 by Eliza Goodridge, this portrait utilizes watercolor applied to an ivory support. The work is characterized by its small scale, measuring approximately 7.8 by 6 units, a dimension typical for miniature paintings of the period. As a watercolor on ivory, the piece relies on the translucency of the medium and the luminous quality of the underlying surface to render the likeness of the male subject.
The classification within the American Wing highlights its significance as an example of early nineteenth-century American portraiture. While specific details regarding the artist's brushwork or the object's current physical condition are not explicitly detailed in the available records, the choice of materials defines its formal identity as a delicate, intimate depiction rather than a large-scale oil painting.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a Gentleman was created in 1829 by the American miniaturist Eliza Goodridge, executed in watercolor on ivory. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as accession 2006.235.284. No earlier owners or commission details are recorded in the available sources, so the known provenance traces directly from the artist’s studio to its present holding at the MET.
The Portrait of a Gentleman, a watercolor on ivory by Eliza Goodridge created in 1829, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work is classified within The American Wing and bears the accession number 2006.235.284. The piece measures 7.8 cm in height and 6 cm in width.
While the artwork is part of the museum's permanent holdings, the provided sources do not contain specific details regarding its exhibition history or prior provenance beyond its acquisition by the institution in 2006.
Overview
Elizabeth Goodridge, an American miniaturist, created this watercolor on ivory, Portrait of a Gentleman, around 1829. This small-scale work exemplifies the detailed craftsmanship characteristic of miniature portraits from the early 19th century. It captures a formal likeness of an unidentified man, showcasing Goodridge's skill in rendering subtle expressions and textures within a compact format.
Context
Before the advent of photography, miniature portraits served as cherished keepsakes, enabling individuals to carry images of loved ones. These small-scale works were often worn or kept close, providing a portable memento. Goodridge's Portrait of a Gentleman reflects this tradition, offering a personal and enduring representation crafted with meticulous detail. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection includes approximately 200 such examples.
Artist & collection
Artist
Elizabeth Goodridge (March 12, 1798 – April 18, 1882) was an American painter who specialized in miniatures. She was the younger sister of Sarah Goodridge, also an American miniaturist.
