Portrait of a Gentleman

Moses B. Russell, Portrait of a Gentleman, 1842, watercolor on ivory, 2 ¹⁄₂ x 2 ¹⁄₈ in. (6.4 x 5.3 cm) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Catherine Walden Myer Fund, 1940.9.2

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Artwork Details

Title: Portrait of a Gentleman
Artist: Moses B. Russell
Date: 1842
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 2 ¹⁄₂ x 2 ¹⁄₈ in. (6.4 x 5.3 cm) oval
Credit Line: Museum purchase through the Catherine Walden Myer Fund
Mediums: watercolor
Mediums Description: watercolor on ivory
Classifications: Painting
Miniature
Subjects: Portrait male — unidentified — bust
Object Number: 1940.9.2
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1940.9.2

Artwork Description

Moses B. Russell faithfully recorded the high cheekbones, huge gray eyes, and thick, wavy hair of this unidentified young man. As was the case of miniatures painted in this period, the painter gave all his effort to capturing the likeness of his sitter, subordinating the background and costume to the romanticized face.