Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an unspecified portrait miniature by the British Romanticist artist George Engleheart. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1941.556
- Credit line
- The Edward B. Greene Collection
About this work
Overview
This portrait miniature, dating to circa 1800, depicts a serene man in formal attire, characteristic of George Engleheart's mature work. Executed on a small scale, it exemplifies the artist's specialty in crafting intricate, high-society portraits.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, possibly identified by the initials 'W.A.' on the reverse, wears a blue coat with brass buttons, a yellow waistcoat, and a ruffled white collar, signifying his wealth and status. His calm expression reflects the conventional pose of portraiture at the time.
Technique & Style
Engleheart employed meticulous techniques, potentially influenced by sfumato, to capture the sitter's likeness. The miniature's execution showcases the artist's attention to detail, a hallmark of his style.
History & Provenance
Acquired by the Cleveland collection in the 1940s, the piece's original case was deemed valuable enough for reproduction costs (20,000-25,000 francs) to be noted by dealer Leo Schidlof, highlighting its significance within the Greene collection.
Context
Created during a period when paste diamonds were emerging, the miniature features 24 genuine brilliant-cut diamonds, gold, and enamel, underscoring the subject's (and possibly the artist's) affiliation with high society.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Engleheart (1750–1829) was an English painter of portrait miniatures, and a contemporary of Richard Cosway, John Smart, William Wood, and Richard Crosse.
