Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting by the American Folk Art artist Nathaniel Rogers. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The available sources confirm the materials and dimensions but do not detail the condition of the paint layer or the finer stylistic points of the brushwork.
Executed in 1835, this portrait by Nathaniel Rogers is a watercolor on ivory, a medium and technique characteristic of the miniature tradition. It is classified as a portrait depicting a male subject. The object is small in scale, measuring approximately 7.2 cm in height by 6 cm in width.
The watercolor washes on the smooth ivory surface allow the delicate rendering typical of Rogers's miniatures. The available sources confirm the materials and dimensions but do not detail the condition of the paint layer or the finer stylistic points of the brushwork.
History & Provenance
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor on ivory painted by Nathaniel Rogers in 1835, as recorded in the museum's catalogue and corroborated by Wikidata. It depicts an unidentified man and is classified within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing under accession number 2006.235.164. The miniature measures approximately 7.2 by 6 cm. No commissioning patron is documented, and the records list no specific past exhibitions or loan history; the work has been part of the museum's permanent holdings since its accession.
Overview
This small watercolor portrait, titled Portrait of a Gentleman, was created by Nathaniel Rogers around 1835. Executed on ivory, it presents a formally dressed man who directly engages the viewer. The work exemplifies the popular tradition of miniature painting in America during the early 19th century, serving as a personal keepsake or a token of affection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features an unidentified man, rendered with meticulous detail. He wears a dark suit and a crisp white collar, suggesting a certain social standing and adherence to contemporary fashion. His neatly styled hair and softly illuminated face contribute to an impression of composure and dignity. The direct gaze establishes an immediate connection with the observer, a common characteristic of such personal portraits.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nathaniel Rogers (1787-1844) was an American miniature painter, born at Bridgehampton on Long Island, New York.
