Portrait of a Young Black Man
Collections
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Date1800-1820
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensionsimage: 8 3/4 × 7 3/8 in. (22.2 × 18.7 cm.)
frame: 14 1/4 × 12 3/4 in. (36.2 × 32.4 cm.)
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased in memory of Olin Barrett with funds from the Art Collectors' Council, with additional support from the Connie Perkins Endowment, the Frances Crandall Dyke Bequest, and the Robert R. Wark Art Acquisition Endowment
Label TextThe subject of this unfinished portrait wears a cutaway shape jacket and a striking red neckcloth. Such clothing articles are often associated with British sailors. However, the jacket’s oversized buttons were a popular fashion trend. Rather than establish a profession, this detail may simply reflect its wearer’s desire to be seen as stylish. The way in which he directly engages the viewer suggests that the sitter had a level of agency in the commission and either ordered the portrait himself or was known to the person who did.Status
Not on viewObject number2022.7
