Caballero desconocido con bigote

Copied Unidentified (Puerto Rican), Caballero desconocido con bigote, 19th century, watercolor on ivory, 2 382 in. (6.05.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.26
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Artwork Details

Title
Caballero desconocido con bigote
Artist
Unidentified (Puerto Rican)
Date
19th century
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 382 in. (6.05.1 cm)
Credit Line
Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — unidentified — waist length
Object Number
1996.91.26

Artwork Description

The unidentified artist who painted this mustachioed gentleman probably received no formal training. The sitter’s head perches atop an exaggerated coat collar and cravat, emphasizing the figure’s awkward proportions. The painter gave most of his attention to the man’s refined features and costume, which imply the social aspirations of a caballero, or minor knight. Conservation of this miniature was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.