Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Nathaniel Rogers. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Nathaniel Rogers's 1813 watercolor on ivory, titled Portrait of a Gentleman, depicts a single male subject, functioning as a conventional individual likeness.
Nathaniel Rogers's 1813 watercolor on ivory, titled Portrait of a Gentleman, depicts a single male subject, functioning as a conventional individual likeness. The work is classified strictly as a portrait genre piece, focusing on the representation of a man without additional narrative context or complex iconographic elements described in available records. There is no specific evidence within the provided sources regarding symbolic attributes, allegorical meanings, or deeper representational significance beyond the standard purpose of capturing the sitter's appearance.
The artwork serves as a direct visual record of the individual during the early nineteenth century, emphasizing the artist's skill in rendering a human face on a small ivory surface rather than conveying a broader symbolic message or story.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1813, this portrait by Nathaniel Rogers utilizes watercolor applied to an ivory support, a medium characteristic of early nineteenth-century American miniature painting. The work measures approximately 8.4 by 6.6 units, presenting a compact format typical of the genre. As a portrait of a gentleman, the piece focuses on the depiction of a male subject through the delicate handling of water-based pigments on the smooth, luminous surface of the ivory.
The classification within The American Wing underscores its significance as an example of American portraiture from this period, where the translucency of the ivory often contributed to the flesh tones and overall aesthetic of the sitter.
History & Provenance
The Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor on ivory executed by Nathaniel Rogers in 1813, as recorded in the museum catalogue (date 1813; medium watercolor on ivory). The work is catalogued as a portrait within The American Wing and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's holdings, accessioned in 2006 under number 2006.235.169 (collection, accession). Its subject is an unidentified man, depicted in a single‑panel format (depicts man). No earlier ownership records are provided in the available documentation.
The watercolor portrait Portrait of a Gentleman, executed by Nathaniel Rogers in 1813, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Within the institution, the work is classified under The American Wing and carries the accession number 2006.235.169. The piece depicts a male subject and measures approximately 8.4 by 6.6 units.
While its current location and inventory details are documented, the available records do not list specific past exhibitions or a detailed provenance history prior to its accession.
Overview
Nathaniel Rogers's Portrait of a Gentleman, created in 1813, is a watercolor on ivory. This small-scale work depicts an unidentified man, characteristic of the portrait miniatures popular in early 19th-century America. The piece offers a direct gaze from the sitter, reflecting the intimate nature of such personal keepsakes and its place within The American Wing's collection.
Context
Before the widespread availability of photography, miniature portraits like this one were essential for preserving and carrying the likenesses of family and friends. These small, precious objects were often exchanged between loved ones or worn as jewelry, serving as constant reminders of absent individuals. They represent a significant aspect of personal and social history in the early 19th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nathaniel Rogers (1787-1844) was an American miniature painter, born at Bridgehampton on Long Island, New York.
