Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the Rococo painting artist Nathaniel Rogers. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
Nathaniel Rogers executed this 1815 portrait in watercolor on ivory, a medium characteristic of early American miniature painting.
Nathaniel Rogers executed this 1815 portrait in watercolor on ivory, a medium characteristic of early American miniature painting. The compact dimensions (6.4 × 5.2 cm) indicate it belongs to the miniature portrait tradition, requiring exceptionally fine handling and precise brushwork. The ivory support, prized for its luminous, smooth surface, would have allowed for subtle tonal gradations and delicate color application typical of watercolor techniques on this ground.
The small scale demanded meticulous control, with the artist working on an intimate format that necessitated close viewing. The work's placement in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing reflects its significance within this specialized genre of early nineteenth-century American portraiture.
History & Provenance
The Portrait of a Gentleman was created in 1815 by the American artist Nathaniel Rogers. Executed as a watercolor on ivory, the work measures 6.4 by 5.2 units and depicts a male subject. While the specific commission details and initial ownership chain are not recorded in the available documentation, the piece has been accessioned into the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The museum, located in New York, currently houses the portrait within its American Wing, where it is cataloged under the accession number 2006.235.168. The artwork's creation date is firmly established as 1815, situating it within the early nineteenth-century American portraiture tradition.
Overview
Nathaniel Rogers's Portrait of a Gentleman, painted in 1815, is a watercolor on ivory. This small-scale work depicts an unidentified man, characteristic of American portraiture from the early 19th century. The piece is housed within the American Wing, reflecting its significance in the nation's artistic heritage. It offers a glimpse into the prevalent styles and techniques of the period for capturing individual likenesses.
Context
In this period, American artists like Rogers frequently sought to imbue their portraits with a sense of individual presence and realism. The gentleman, presented in a dark coat and white cravat, engages the viewer directly, his softly lit face emerging from a plain background. This approach to capturing a sitter's likeness was a common thread among early 19th-century American portraitists, aiming for both accuracy and an engaging portrayal.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nathaniel Rogers (1787-1844) was an American miniature painter, born at Bridgehampton on Long Island, New York.
