Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an unspecified portrait miniature by the British Romanticist artist George Engleheart. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This portrait miniature, dating to circa 1800, depicts a serene man in formal attire, characteristic of George Engleheart's mature work. Executed on a small scale, it exemplifies the artist's specialty in crafting intricate, high-society portraits.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, possibly identified by the initials 'W.A.' on the reverse, wears a blue coat with brass buttons, a yellow waistcoat, and a ruffled white collar, signifying his wealth and status. His calm expression reflects the conventional pose of portraiture at the time.
Technique & Style
Engleheart employed meticulous techniques, potentially influenced by sfumato, to capture the sitter's likeness. The miniature's execution showcases the artist's attention to detail, a hallmark of his style.
History & Provenance
Acquired by the Cleveland collection in the 1940s, the piece's original case was deemed valuable enough for reproduction costs (20,000-25,000 francs) to be noted by dealer Leo Schidlof, highlighting its significance within the Greene collection.
Context
Created during a period when paste diamonds were emerging, the miniature features 24 genuine brilliant-cut diamonds, gold, and enamel, underscoring the subject's (and possibly the artist's) affiliation with high society.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Engleheart (1750–1829) was an English painter of portrait miniatures, and a contemporary of Richard Cosway, John Smart, William Wood, and Richard Crosse.
