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Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man, unspecified, 1775
Portrait of a Man, unspecified, 1775

Portrait of a Man is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The piece belongs to the genre of miniature painting, a format characterized by its small scale and intricate detail suitable for personal carriage or display.

Created in 1775, this work is a portrait miniature executed by the British artist John Smart. The piece belongs to the genre of miniature painting, a format characterized by its small scale and intricate detail suitable for personal carriage or display. While the specific support material and pigments are not detailed in the available records, the classification as a miniature implies a refined handling of paint to achieve likeness within a confined area.

The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1997.81.

History & Provenance

The work, titled Portrait of a Man, is a portrait miniature created in 1775. It is attributed to the British artist John I Smart, who lived from 1741 to 1811. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1997.81.

While the specific commission details and the full chain of ownership prior to its museum acquisition are not detailed in the available records, the work's creation is firmly dated to the year 1775.

The portrait miniature, dated 1775 and attributed to John I Smart, is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland. The work is cataloged under the accession number 1997.81. No specific exhibition history is recorded in the provided sources.

Overview

This drawing, titled Portrait of a Man, presents a solitary male figure in profile. The artwork's subdued palette and delicate execution contribute to its quiet demeanor. Its current state, marked by a worn appearance and subtle tonal shifts, offers a glimpse into its potential age and the artistic approach employed by its creator.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted facing left, his features rendered with a sense of quiet dignity. His hair is styled away from his face, and a dark cravat encircles his neck, suggesting a particular fashion of a bygone era. The plain background ensures that the viewer's attention remains solely on the sitter, emphasizing his individual presence rather than any specific setting.

Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man, John I Smart

Artist & collection

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Rococo painting.