Artwork
Jean Pierre Barre
Jean Pierre Barre is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Nathaniel Rogers. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 53.86.1
- Credit line
- Bequest of Emilie Dubois, 1953
About this work
Overview
Barre is depicted wearing a dark coat contrasted by a white cravat, with his face softly illuminated against a neutral background.
Nathaniel Rogers executed this miniature portrait of Jean Pierre Barre in 1820, capturing the sitter in a direct, frontal pose. The work is rendered in watercolor on ivory, a material choice characteristic of early 19th-century portraiture that allows the translucent support to enhance the luminosity of the flesh tones. Barre is depicted wearing a dark coat contrasted by a white cravat, with his face softly illuminated against a neutral background.
A subtle smile animates his expression, conveying a sense of quiet dignity. This piece exemplifies the tradition of the personal keepsake portrait, a format that flourished before the advent of photography. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this work, which stands as a representative example of Rogers' contribution to the American miniature painting tradition during the early 1800s.
Technique & Style
This small-scale portrait is executed in watercolor on a thin piece of ivory, a common practice for miniatures of the era. The translucent nature of ivory allowed light to pass through, creating a luminous effect that enhanced the delicate skin tones and soft lighting on the sitter's face. Rogers captured the man's direct gaze and faint smile with subtle details, emphasizing the white cravat against his dark coat, characteristic of early 19th-century fashion.
Context
Before the widespread availability of photography, miniature portraits like "Jean Pierre Barre" served as cherished personal mementos. These small, portable artworks allowed individuals to carry or display images of loved ones, functioning as intimate keepsakes. The use of watercolor on ivory was particularly suited for this purpose, offering both durability and a refined aesthetic that appealed to the sensibilities of the time.
History & Provenance
The Metropolitan Museum of Art includes "Jean Pierre Barre" within its American Wing collection. While part of a significant institutional holding, this delicate watercolor miniature is not frequently exhibited. Its presence within the museum's collection underscores its historical and artistic value as an example of American portraiture from the early 19th century, despite its limited public display.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nathaniel Rogers (1787-1844) was an American miniature painter, born at Bridgehampton on Long Island, New York.
