Portrait of a Gentleman 1837 - 1850

"Portrait of a Gentleman" is an oil-on-canvas painting by American artist James Reid Lambdin, dating from 1837-1850. Now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the painting exemplifies the genre of portraiture popular in the 19th century, focusing on the sitter's likeness and social standing. The intimate size of the work, measuring just 4 x 2 7/16 inches, suggests it was likely a private commission, possibly intended for the sitter's family or personal collection. Lambdin's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the subject's clothing, particularly the carefully rendered bowtie and collar.