Portrait of a Gentleman

Moses B. Russell, Portrait of a Gentleman, 1847, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.44
Copied Moses B. Russell, Portrait of a Gentleman, 1847, watercolor on ivory, image (oval): 2 3⁄16 x 1 13⁄16 in. (5.6 x 4.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.44
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of a Gentleman
Artist
Date
1847
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
image (oval): 2 3⁄16 x 1 13⁄16 in. (5.6 x 4.7 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — unidentified — bust
Object Number
1999.27.44
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.44

Artwork Description

Moses B. Russell’s sitter adopts a casual pose, rather than appearing to be bolt upright, as is the case in so many miniature portraits. The young man’s face is equally relaxed, conveying a sense of confidence and ease. The painter subtly emphasized the assertive character of his subject by revealing a boldly striped vest beneath a somber black coat.