Portrait of a Gentleman 1810 - 1820

Joseph Wood painted this miniature “Portrait of a Gentleman” in the early 19th century, using watercolor on ivory. The choice of materials is significant. Ivory, a precious material, immediately signals luxury and status, and the meticulous application of watercolor requires immense skill and patience. Miniature portraits like these were often commissioned by wealthy individuals, both as keepsakes and as symbols of their social standing. The smooth, almost porcelain-like surface of the ivory lends itself to capturing fine details, seen here in the gentleman’s neatly styled hair and tailored coat. This level of detail speaks to the artist’s technical expertise, honed through years of practice. The creation of such a piece was labor-intensive, from the sourcing and preparation of the ivory to the delicate painting process. By looking closely at the materials and the hand skills involved, we can appreciate how this object bridges the worlds of fine art and craft, reflecting the values and aspirations of its time.