Portrait of a Gentleman
Unidentified
ca. 1805
Medium
Painting-Miniature
Classification
Painting-Miniature
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase
Accession Number
1979.152
Tags
bust
About this artwork
Most portrait miniatures were painted in watercolor on ivory, but here the artist used paperboard, a less expensive material that was probably requested by the sitter. The gold frame and warm yellow background contrast with the black paperboard, emphasizing the gentlemanâs profile view and his fashionable high-collared coat. His straight posture and stern gaze suggest a serious personality, while the slightly disheveled hair implies a more romantic side.
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –