Portrait of a Gentleman 1835 - 1845

"Portrait of a Gentleman" is a miniature painting by Thomas Seir Cummings, a prominent American portrait artist of the 19th century. Created between 1835 and 1845, the work showcases Cummings's skill in capturing the likeness of an individual with meticulous detail. The painting, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies the popular genre of miniature portraiture in the 19th century, a practice where artists would create small, intimate portraits often intended for personal use. Cummings's use of delicate brushstrokes and subtle shading creates a sense of realism in the gentleman's features, emphasizing his refined attire and composed demeanor.