Portrait of a Gentleman

Media - 1950.4.22 - SAAM-1950.4.22_1 - 1211
Copied Unidentified (French), Portrait of a Gentleman, ca. 1850, watercolor on ivory, sight 1 141 in. (3.12.4 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore, 1950.4.22
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of a Gentleman
Artist
Unidentified (French)
Date
ca. 1850
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sight 1 141 in. (3.12.4 cm) oval
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Henry L. Milmore
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — unidentified — bust
Object Number
1950.4.22

Artwork Description

In this miniature, which was probably worn by a loved one, the sitter’s blue eyes, fashionably disheveled hairstyle, and elegant clothing suggest he made an effort to present himself as a worthy suitor. This portrait was set in a bracelet or locket to be worn close to the body, reinforcing the intimacy between the wearer and the sitter.