Portrait of a Gentleman

Henry Benbridge, Portrait of a Gentleman, ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.45
Copied Henry Benbridge, Portrait of a Gentleman, ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, image (oval): 1 3⁄4 x 1 3⁄8 in. (4.4 x 3.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer, 1999.27.45
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of a Gentleman
Artist
Date
ca. 1795
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
image (oval): 1 3⁄4 x 1 3⁄8 in. (4.4 x 3.5 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mary Elizabeth Spencer
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Keywords
  • Portrait male — unidentified — bust
Object Number
1999.27.45
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.27.45

Artwork Description

This portrait of a gruff-looking gentleman was originally attributed to Edward Savage, but research indicates it is by Henry Benbridge. The sitter’s wary expression and pugnacious jaw suggest a personality only slightly tamed by elegant clothing.