Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses entirely on the individual's presence, offering no explicit symbolic attributes or iconographic details beyond the subject himself.
The work depicts a single male subject, identified simply as a man within the genre of portraiture. Created around 1800, the piece presents a straightforward representation of an individual without additional figures or complex narrative elements. As a portrait, its primary function is to capture the likeness of this gentleman, serving as a visual record of his appearance during the early nineteenth century.
The composition focuses entirely on the individual's presence, offering no explicit symbolic attributes or iconographic details beyond the subject himself.
Technique & Style
Created around 1800, this portrait is executed as a watercolor on an ivory support, a medium characteristic of miniature portraiture from the period. The work measures 6.4 cm in height and 4.8 cm in width, reflecting the intimate scale typical of the genre. Stylistically, the piece functions as a formal depiction of a man, adhering to the conventions of early 19th-century portraiture found within the American Wing collection.
History & Provenance
Created in 1800, this watercolor on ivory portrait depicts an unidentified man. The work is attributed to an unknown artist, though it is classified within the context of American art. The piece entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 2006.235.235.
No specific details regarding the original commission or the ownership history prior to its acquisition by the museum are provided in the available records.
The work is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 2006.235.235 and listed within the American Wing’s collection. Its dimensions, recorded as 6.4 cm in height and 4.8 cm in width, correspond to a watercolor on ivory portrait of an unidentified gentleman dating to 1800. The piece is part of the museum’s permanent holdings and has been displayed as part of the American Wing’s portrait galleries, reflecting its integration into the institution’s curated exhibitions.
Overview
This miniature, titled Portrait of a Gentleman, is rendered in watercolor on ivory. It depicts a man with a direct gaze, his features subtly illuminated against a muted background. The small scale and intimate presentation suggest it was intended for private viewing rather than public display. Its delicate execution highlights the skill involved in this specialized form of portraiture.
Context
Miniature portraits on ivory gained widespread popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as cherished personal mementos. Their small size made them ideal for carrying or wearing, allowing individuals to keep images of loved ones close. These intimate objects functioned similarly to later photographic lockets, providing a tangible connection to absent family or friends before the advent of widespread photography.
Artist & collection
