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Portrait of a New York Gentleman
From the collection of Smithsonian American Art Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
George Linen used the European portrait convention of an open window and a curtain drawn back behind his sitter in many of his paintings. Here, he posed his sitter before a window opening onto trees and a moody sky. The gentleman’s upright posture, wide eyes, and high brow convey a gentle and thoughtful personality. Small portraits like this, called cabinet paintings, were popular before photography.
Smithsonian American Art Museum’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit linePortrait of a New York Gentleman. ca. 1840. George Linen, born Greenlaw, Scotland 1802-died New York City 1888. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase. CC0.
