Portrait of a Gentleman with Initials H. D. C.

Unidentified, Portrait of a Gentleman with Initials H. D. C., ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Muller, 1980.95.1
Copied Unidentified, Portrait of a Gentleman with Initials H. D. C., ca. 1795, watercolor on ivory, sight 2 1⁄2 x 2 in. (6.4 x 5.1 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Muller, 1980.95.1
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of a Gentleman with Initials H. D. C.
Artist
Unidentified
Date
ca. 1795
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sight 2 1⁄2 x 2 in. (6.4 x 5.1 cm) oval
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Rene Muller
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — unidentified — bust
Object Number
1980.95.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1980.95.1

Artwork Description

Around 1794, the style of powdering hair fell out of favor. In this miniature, the sitter’s long white and gray hair, possibly pulled back in a “pigtail queue,” marks the change from British aristocratic fashion to new trends set by young Americans. The casual hair, assertive expression, and sensual mouth express this gentleman’s confidence, and perhaps even imply a mischievous streak.