Artwork
Portrait of a Youth with a Surgical Cut in one Eye
Portrait of a Youth with a Surgical Cut in one Eye is a wood painting. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work is a lime‑wood portrait depicting a young male figure rendered in paint that has faded and cracked with age.
About this work
Overview
The work is a lime‑wood portrait depicting a young male figure rendered in paint that has faded and cracked with age. The subject presents a solemn expression, dark neatly combed hair, and a short mustache. Notably, the left eye appears altered, suggesting a surgical cut or covering. The overall condition reflects extensive wear, especially at the panel’s edges.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures a youth whose serious demeanor and altered eye hint at a personal narrative, possibly indicating an injury or medical procedure. The emphasis on the damaged eye may allude to themes of vulnerability, identity, or the social status of individuals who underwent early surgical interventions.
Technique & Style
Paint is applied in flat, uniform areas of colour, contrasting with a more detailed rendering of the eye. The use of simple tonal fields and a limited palette aligns with folk‑art traditions, while the precise eye work demonstrates a focused attention to anatomical detail. The lime‑wood support shows signs of long‑term aging, contributing to the work’s patina.
History & Provenance
The panel’s material and the condition of the paint suggest it originates from a period when lime‑wood was a common substrate for portraiture. No specific documentation of ownership or commissioning is provided, leaving the work’s provenance largely untraced beyond its present museum context.
Artist & collection
