Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Moses B. Russell. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Moses B.
- Accession no.
- 2006.235.176
- Credit line
- Fletcher Fund, 2006
About this work
Technique & Style
Executed in 1847, the portrait is a miniature on ivory, rendered in watercolor.
Executed in 1847, the portrait is a miniature on ivory, rendered in watercolor. The support measures approximately 6.8 cm in height and 5.2 cm in width, indicating a small, intimate format typical of the period. The handling shows fine, controlled brushwork with delicate modeling of facial features and subtle gradations in tone, characteristic of early American watercolor miniatures.
Stylistically, the work emphasizes refined detail and restrained elegance, aligning with the conventions of portrait miniatures of the mid-19th century, where emphasis is placed on clarity of form and lifelike representation.
History & Provenance
The miniature portrait Portrait of a Gentleman by Moses B. Russell is dated 1847, aligning with the artist’s active period in the mid-19th century. The work entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2006 as part of the institution’s collection, accessioned under number 2006.235.176. Its provenance prior to the museum’s acquisition is not documented in the provided sources, which do not specify an original commission or early ownership history.
The painting’s small scale (6.8 cm × 5.2 cm) and medium (watercolor on ivory) reflect the conventions of American portrait miniatures from this era.
The watercolor on ivory titled Portrait of a Gentleman, executed by Moses B. Russell in 1847, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work is classified within the museum's American Wing and carries the accession number 2006.235.176. While the piece is part of the permanent collection, the available records do not specify a particular gallery location or list any past or future exhibition history for this specific object. The artwork measures 6.8 by 5.2 inches and depicts a male subject.
Overview
Moses B. Russell's Portrait of a Gentleman, created in 1847, is a watercolor miniature on ivory. This intimate depiction, part of the American Wing collection, presents an unidentified man. Its small scale suggests it was intended for personal possession and close viewing, characteristic of portraiture during the mid-19th century.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of this small portrait remains unnamed, a common occurrence for many such works from the period. Despite the anonymity, the piece served a deeply personal function. Miniatures were often carried by individuals as cherished keepsakes, akin to modern photographs, allowing loved ones to keep an image of family or friends close at hand.
Context
During the 19th century, miniature portraits like this one were a prevalent form of personal art in America, preceding the widespread availability of photography. Artists like Russell specialized in these small-scale works, which offered an accessible way for individuals to commission and own images of themselves or their family members, reflecting a growing desire for personal representation.
Artist & collection
