Who painted Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform?

Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform was painted by European 18th Century in 1794.

Where can I see Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform?

Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform?

Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform

European 18th Century , 1794

Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform is a pastel drawing by the Romanticist artist European 18th Century. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a pastel drawing on blue laid paper depicting a young man dressed in a military uniform.

About this work

Overview

The work is a pastel drawing on blue laid paper depicting a young man dressed in a military uniform. The figure is rendered against an unadorned background, allowing the uniform’s colors—blue jacket, red cuffs, and silver buttons—to dominate the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is presented in formal attire, complete with a white wig tied with a black ribbon and a black collar visible beneath the wig. The straightforward pose and lack of narrative elements suggest a focus on status and identity rather than a specific story.

Technique & Style

Executed with soft pastels, the artist exploits the medium’s chalk‑like qualities to achieve gentle edges and a slightly blurred surface. The choice of blue laid paper provides a cool undertone that enhances the contrast of the bright reds and metallic silvers in the uniform.

History & Provenance

The drawing is catalogued as a portrait and identified by its title, "Portrait of a Young Man in Uniform." No further information on its creation date, artist, or ownership history is provided in the source material.