Portrait of a Gentleman 1812 - 1819

Ammi Phillips, a prominent American folk artist of the 19th century, painted "Portrait of a Gentleman" between 1812 and 1819. The painting, depicting a man in a dark coat with a white cravat, exemplifies the artist's characteristic style, known for its simple compositions and direct gaze. Phillips' portraits, often commissioned by individuals or families, capture a sense of realism and dignity, making them valuable documents of early American life. This particular portrait, with its unassuming yet detailed depiction of a gentleman, speaks to the enduring nature of the genre of portraiture and the importance of individual identity in American society during the early 19th century.