Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist James Reid Lambdin. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2004.567
- Credit line
- Dale T. Johnson Fund, 2004
About this work
Technique & Style
The piece is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specifically associated with its American Wing classification.
Executed in 1831 by James Reid Lambdin, this portrait utilizes watercolor applied to an ivory support, a medium combination characteristic of miniature painting traditions. The work is classified as a portrait genre piece depicting a male subject. While specific details regarding the artist's brushwork, the physical condition of the ivory, or the precise handling of the pigment are not elaborated upon in the available records, the fundamental material composition is clearly established as watercolor on ivory.
The piece is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, specifically associated with its American Wing classification.
History & Provenance
Created in 1831, this watercolor on ivory portrait depicts an unidentified gentleman and is attributed to the American artist James Reid Lambdin. The work entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified within the American Wing under the accession number 2004.567. While the specific circumstances of its commission and the identity of the sitter remain unrecorded in the available documentation, the piece is firmly dated to the early nineteenth century based on institutional records.
The artwork has been cataloged as a painting by Lambdin, reflecting his activity in portraiture during this period.
The watercolor on ivory titled Portrait of a Gentleman, created by James Reid Lambdin in 1831, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Classified within the museum's American Wing, the work is assigned the accession number 2004.567. While the available records confirm the painting's institutional location and unique inventory identifier, they do not provide specific details regarding its exhibition history or prior provenance events.
Overview
James Reid Lambdin, an American artist recognized for his presidential likenesses, created Portrait of a Gentleman in 1831. This small-scale work, executed with watercolor on ivory, exemplifies the American folk art tradition. It captures the likeness of an unidentified man, rendered with directness and a focus on his individual features. The painting is housed within the American Wing collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a man in a dark coat, his gaze directed forward, engaging the viewer directly. His face is gently illuminated, highlighting his features, while a crisp white collar and neatly styled hair suggest a composed demeanor. The plain background ensures that attention remains solely on the sitter, typical of portraiture intended to capture and preserve an individual's appearance.
Context
During the early 19th century, miniature portraits on ivory served a function similar to modern photographs, allowing individuals to carry or display likenesses of loved ones. These small, intricate paintings were particularly favored by affluent patrons who could commission such specialized works. The medium's inherent elegance and the portability of the finished piece made it a popular choice for personal mementos and social display.
Artist & collection
Artist
James Reid Lambdin (May 10, 1807 – 1889) was an American born artist, famous for many of his portraits of U.S. Presidents.
