Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an oil painting. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The canvas entered the museum’s collection via the bequest of Louisine Havemeyer, underscoring its historical provenance.
The painting titled Portrait of a Man, executed in oil on canvas in 1800, portrays an unidentified male sitter. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art record, the work is classified as a portrait and shows a man as its principal figure, a common genre in early‑19th‑century European art that emphasized status and individuality. The sitter’s attire and the direct gaze suggest a focus on personal identity rather than allegorical symbolism, reflecting contemporary portrait conventions that highlighted the sitter’s social standing. The canvas entered the museum’s collection via the bequest of Louisine Havemeyer, underscoring its historical provenance.
History & Provenance
The work titled Portrait of a Man was created in 1800 as an oil painting on canvas, a fact confirmed by its dated inscription and material specification. It is attributed to Gaspare Traversi, as recorded in the artwork’s descriptive data. The painting measures 22 cm by 17.5 cm, matching the documented dimensions.
Following its creation, the piece entered the collection of Louisine Havemeyer, who later bequeathed it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on display. These provenance details trace the ownership chain from the artist’s studio to the collector and finally to the museum, establishing a clear creation and ownership history.
Portrait of a Man, attributed to Gaspare Traversi and dated to 1800, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Prior to entering the museum, the work was owned by Louisine Havemeyer, the noted American collector whose holdings were subsequently bequeathed to the institution. The painting is executed in oil on canvas and is catalogued at dimensions of 22 by 17.5 centimeters.
No specific exhibition history beyond its inclusion in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's holdings is documented in the available sources.
Overview
This oil painting, titled Portrait of a Man, presents a formal depiction of an unidentified male figure. The subject is rendered with a serious demeanor, his features highlighted against a somber backdrop. The work emphasizes the man's attire and composed expression, characteristic of portraiture from its likely period.
Technique & Style
The artist employed oil paint to create a striking contrast between the subject and his surroundings. Soft transitions of light and shadow, often referred to as chiaroscuro, model the man's face, lending it depth and realism. This technique effectively draws the viewer's attention to his features, while the rich red of his coat provides a focal point against the dark, unadorned background.
Artist & collection
- Portrait of a Man
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