Artwork
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man is an unspecified portrait miniature by the British Romanticist artist Andrew Plimer. It dates from 1805 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The background isn’t sky—it’s dark brown, filled with tiny crossed lines that almost swallow his edges.
A young man looks straight at you. His light brown hair is neatly combed, and he wears a plain gray-brown coat with a crisp white collar. The background isn’t sky—it’s dark brown, filled with tiny crossed lines that almost swallow his edges.
Plimer usually painted bright blue skies behind his sitters. Here, he tried something different: a dense, dark ground that makes the face stand out. The gold frame is original, with a hidden note on the back—like a secret just for the owner.
To see more small portraits like this, look up Andrew Plimer (British, 1763–1837).
Overview
This portrait miniature, painted around 1805, is a characteristic work by Andrew Plimer, showcasing his mature style. The subject is a young man with light brown hair and gray eyes, depicted in a grayish-brown coat with a white collar.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter's hairstyle, cut short and curled around the forehead, reflects a fashion inspired by ancient Roman styles. The lack of powder in his hair also aligns with trends among young men at the turn of the 19th century. The subject has been tentatively identified as a member of the Baring banking family.
Technique & Style
Plimer deviated from his typical blue sky background, opting for a rich brown ground with an intricate network of crosshatching. This technique creates a sense of depth and makes the subject's face stand out. The hair is detailed with small, undulating parallel lines, showcasing the artist's skill in miniature painting.
History & Provenance
The portrait is housed in its original gold frame, which contains a hidden compartment with a lock of light brown hair secured by a pearl band on opalescent glass. A paper label on the frame bears the number '226', though its origin is unknown.
Artist & collection
Artist
Andrew Plimer (baptized 29 December 1763 – 29 January 1837) was a British artist, whose brother was Nathaniel Plimer, also a painter of miniatures.
