Portrait of a Gentleman

Art Historical Context

Created around 1795, William Verstille’s *Portrait of a Gentleman* exemplifies the delicate art American miniature painting in the years following the Revolution. Painted in watercolor on ivory, the tiny work measures just over an inch and a half high, a scale that allowed it to be worn in a locket or kept in a private drawer. Such portraits were prized as intimate keepsakes, capturing likenesses with remarkable precision while fitting easily into daily life. Verstille worked during a period when American artists adapted European techniques to meet the needs of a growing republic. Ivory provided a luminous surface that enhanced the translucent quality of watercolor, enabling subtle modeling of features and fabrics. Though the sitter’s identity remains unknown, the portrait reflects the era’s emphasis on personal dignity and refinement. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the Dale T. Johnson Fund, this miniature now resides in the American Wing, where it offers visitors a glimpse into the private world of early national portraiture.