Portrait of a Gentleman 1787 - 1844

This miniature portrait, "Portrait of a Gentleman," was created by American artist Nathaniel Rogers between 1787 and 1844. This small, oval-shaped work, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures the likeness of an unknown gentleman in a formal pose. Rogers, known for his detailed and expressive portraits, showcases his skills in the delicate execution of the sitter's features. The gentleman's somber expression and formal attire, including a black coat and a white cravat tied in a bow, point to his status and the societal norms of the time. The small scale of the artwork, typical of miniature portraits, suggests its intended purpose as a personal keepsake or a locket for remembrance.