Artwork
Self Portrait
Self Portrait is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist George Hewitt Cushman. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This Self Portrait is a miniature rendered in watercolor on ivory, depicting a man in a dark coat gazing directly forward. The subject's face is subtly illuminated from the side. This diminutive artwork, smaller than a standard playing card, exemplifies a popular portraiture style of its era. It belongs to the American Wing collection, showcasing a common artistic practice from the 19th century.
Technique & Style
Miniature portraits, such as this Self Portrait, were frequently created using watercolor on thin slips of ivory during the 1800s.
Miniature portraits, such as this Self Portrait, were frequently created using watercolor on thin slips of ivory during the 1800s. This specific medium was favored for its ability to produce a luminous effect; the smooth, translucent surface of the ivory allowed the pigments to achieve a radiant quality, often compared to stained glass. The delicate application of paint contributed to the intimate scale and refined detail characteristic of these small-scale works.
Context
Miniature portraits served a significant social function in the 19th century, often commissioned as personal mementos. Their small size made them ideal for intimate display, frequently set into jewelry pieces such as brooches or rings, or carried within lockets. These portable artworks allowed individuals to keep images of loved ones close, reflecting a widespread cultural practice before the advent of photography.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Hewitt Cushman (June 5, 1814 – August 3, 1876) was a top American engraver and painter of miniature paintings and portraits of his time (second only to Edward Greene Malbone).
