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Man with Vial by Field, Erastus Salisbury

Field, Erastus Salisbury · c. 1827

This captivating "Man with Vial," painted by Erastus Salisbury Field around 1827, offers a glimpse into early 19th-century American society. The sitter, with his direct gaze, invites us to ponder his identity and purpose.

Notice the details: his dark, formal coat and high white collar were typical attire for gentlemen of the period. But it's the small glass vial in his hand that truly intrigues, hinting at a profession in medicine or science, or perhaps a personal passion.

Field, an American artist, created numerous individual portraits for regional patrons during this era. Through his skilled use of chiaroscuro, he brings the man's face and hands to life against the muted background, emphasizing the importance of the vial.

What do you imagine his story might have been?

Details

This man's intense gaze captures you, even after 200 years.
This man's intense gaze captures you, even after 200 years.
He wears the formal, dark coat of an early 19th-century gentleman.
He wears the formal, dark coat of an early 19th-century gentleman.
His high white collar was a standard of respectable fashion then.
His high white collar was a standard of respectable fashion then.
But look at what he holds in his right hand.
But look at what he holds in his right hand.
A small glass vial, likely for medicine or science.
A small glass vial, likely for medicine or science.
Transcript

This man's intense gaze captures you, even after 200 years. He wears the formal, dark coat of an early 19th-century gentleman. His high white collar was a standard of respectable fashion then. But look at what he holds in his right hand. A small glass vial, likely for medicine or science. It suggests his profession, or at least a keen interest in it. Painted circa 1827, this portrait shows a man of learning.