Portrait of a New York Gentleman

George Linen, Portrait of a New York Gentleman, ca. 1840, oil on canvas mounted on aluminum, overall: 6 ³⁄₄ x 5 ⁵⁄₈ in. (17.2 x 14.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1979.151.1

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Artwork Details

Title: Portrait of a New York Gentleman
Artist: Attributed to George Linen
Date: ca. 1840
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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1B
Dimensions: overall: 6 ³⁄₄ x 5 ⁵⁄₈ in. (17.2 x 14.4 cm)
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Mediums: oil
Mediums Description: oil on canvas mounted on aluminum
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Portrait male — unidentified
History — United States — New York
Object Number: 1979.151.1
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1979.151.1

Artwork Description

George Linen used the European portrait convention of an open window and a curtain drawn back behind his sitter in many of his paintings. Here, he posed his sitter before a window opening onto trees and a moody sky. The gentleman’s upright posture, wide eyes, and high brow convey a gentle and thoughtful personality. Small portraits like this, called cabinet paintings, were popular before photography.