Portrait of a Gentleman 1811 - 1817

Anson Dickinson’s “Portrait of a Gentleman,” a miniature portrait dating from 1811 to 1817, showcases the artist's skill in capturing a likeness with delicate detail. The sitter is depicted in a formal pose, wearing a black coat and white cravat, indicative of the fashion of the early 19th century. This small-scale work, measuring only 2 3/4 x 2 1/4 inches, was likely intended for personal use as a locket or keepsake, highlighting the intimate and personal nature of miniature portraiture. The painting is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering viewers a glimpse into the sartorial elegance and social conventions of early 19th-century American society.