Cameo of a Gentleman 1847 - 1850

"Cameo of a Gentleman" is a white plaster cameo, sculpted in relief, by Erastus Dow Palmer, an American artist best known for his sculptures. The cameo, a portrait of a man in profile, was crafted between 1847 and 1850 and is currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Its small size, only 1 7/8 x 1 5/8 inches, suggests it was likely a personal portrait or a commemorative piece, typical of the miniature art form popular in the 19th century.