John Alexander McDougall, Portrait of a Gentleman, 1839, watercolor on ivory, sight 2 x 1 7⁄8 in. (5.1 x 4.8 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.25.2
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Portrait of a Gentleman
- Artist
- Date
- 1839
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- sight 2 x 1 7⁄8 in. (5.1 x 4.8 cm) oval
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- watercolor on ivory
- Subjects
- Portrait male — unidentified — bust
- Object Number
- 1999.27.25.2
Artwork Description
John Alexander McDougall painted these sitters, possibly a husband and wife, while he was in New Orleans in 1839. The artist used different backgrounds for each painting. The plain background of the gentleman’s portrait complements the blue of his eyes, while the dark trees surrounding the lady emphasize her pale complexion. Conservation of these miniatures was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.
