Portrait of a New York Gentleman

George Linen, Portrait of a New York Gentleman, ca. 1840, oil on canvas mounted on aluminum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1979.151.1
Copied George Linen, Portrait of a New York Gentleman, ca. 1840, oil on canvas mounted on aluminum, overall: 6 345 58 in. (17.214.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1979.151.1
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Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of a New York Gentleman
Artist
Attributed to George Linen
Date
ca. 1840
Dimensions
overall: 6 345 58 in. (17.214.4 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas mounted on aluminum
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — unidentified
  • History — United States — New York
Object Number
1979.151.1

Artwork Description

George Linen used the European portrait convention of an open window and a curtain drawn back behind his sitter in many of his paintings. Here, he posed his sitter before a window opening onto trees and a moody sky. The gentleman’s upright posture, wide eyes, and high brow convey a gentle and thoughtful personality. Small portraits like this, called cabinet paintings, were popular before photography.