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 1845 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The small dimensions and material choice indicate a technique designed for close viewing and personal commemoration.
Created in 1845, James Reid Lambdin's Portrait of a Gentleman is executed in watercolor on ivory, a medium characteristic of refined American portraiture of the period. The work measures 10.2 by 6.2 centimeters, reflecting the intimate scale typical of miniature painting on this delicate support. The artist's handling of the watercolor medium on the ivory surface demonstrates a formal approach focused on capturing the likeness of a male subject with precision.
As a portrait classified within the American Wing, the piece relies on the translucency and smooth texture of the ivory to enhance the soft modeling of the sitter's features. The small dimensions and material choice indicate a technique designed for close viewing and personal commemoration.
History & Provenance
The miniature portrait was created by James Reid Lambdin in 1845. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently held and classified under The American Wing. No documented commission or early ownership history prior to its accession by the museum has been identified in available records.
While the sources confirm the institution and wing holding the piece, they do not specify a unique accession or inventory number, nor do they document any past or current exhibition titles, dates, or venues where the portrait has been shown.
Overview
James Reid Lambdin, an American artist, created this Portrait of a Gentleman in 1845. Executed in watercolor on ivory, the piece is a miniature portrait depicting an unidentified man. It reflects the popular genre of small-scale likenesses produced during the mid-19th century, often serving as personal mementos.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents a gentleman in a dark suit, his face softly illuminated as he gazes directly forward. Such intimate portraits were frequently commissioned as personal keepsakes, intended for close family members or loved ones. While formal in presentation, the work aligns with the broader tradition of American folk art in its directness and focus on individual likeness.
Context
James Reid Lambdin was a notable American portraitist of his era, recognized for his depictions of prominent figures, including several U.S. Presidents. This Portrait of a Gentleman exemplifies his skill in the miniature format, a popular art form in 19th-century America. It contributes to the understanding of portraiture within the American Wing's collection, showcasing both artistic technique and social customs of the period.
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.
