Who painted Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam?

Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam was painted by Unknown in 1860.

Where can I see Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam?

Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam?

Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam is associated with American Folk Art.

Artwork

Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam

Unknown , 1860

Bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam is a paint painting by the American Folk Art artist Unknown. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This small oval portrait, painted on ivory, depicts Alfred Lowell Putnam in a three‑quarter view.

About this work

Overview

The figure is set against a neutral gray backdrop, bordered by a thin gold rim, and the work is stored in a purple velvet case marked with the initials A.

This small oval portrait, painted on ivory, depicts Alfred Lowell Putnam in a three‑quarter view. He is clean‑shaven, his light brown hair parting to the left, and he wears a dark coat with a white shirt, open collar and bow tie. The figure is set against a neutral gray backdrop, bordered by a thin gold rim, and the work is stored in a purple velvet case marked with the initials A.L.P. in silver wire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents Putnam as a poised young man, his gaze directed slightly leftward, conveying a calm confidence. The restrained attire and modest background focus attention on his facial features, suggesting an intention to capture his personal likeness rather than convey narrative or allegorical content.

Technique & Style

Executed on ivory, the painting employs soft brushwork that renders the face and shoulders with subtle gradations of tone. Light falls evenly across the features, providing clear definition without dramatic contrast. The limited palette of muted browns, blacks and whites reinforces the intimate, understated quality of the work.

History & Provenance

According to the museum’s acquisition register, the portrait was reproduced for Putnam’s mother at the request of a friend, though the copyist’s identity remains unknown. The original remains in the collection, housed in its velvet case, and is catalogued under the artist’s name as a bust portrait of Alfred Lowell Putnam.