American Folk Art Portrait of a Gentleman, Circa 1840-1860 New England School

Details

Description

A mid-19th-century American Folk Art oil on board portrait of an unidentified young gentleman, in the New England School Style, … Read more A mid-19th-century American Folk Art oil on board portrait of an unidentified young gentleman, in the New England School Style, circa 1840–1860, presented bust-length in a period giltwood frame. The sitter is shown in formal dark jacket, with a black cravat, white shirtfront, high collar, and sober brown-black coat, his face turned slightly in three-quarter view while his wide eyes meet the viewer directly. A subtle red chair-back visible at the right shoulder adds a distinctive note of color against the dark green-black background, while the broad planes of the face, flushed cheeks, carefully outlined features, and simplified handling of the body give the work its strong folk art character.

The painting relates closely to the American vernacular portrait tradition associated with itinerant painters working in New England and the northeastern United States during the second quarter of the 19th century. Its flat modeling, direct frontal presence, compact cabinet scale, and economical treatment of costume suggest the practical portrait formulas used by folk artists who served middle-class sitters before photography became widely available.

Measurements: 14" w x 16" h. See less