Smithsonian American Art Museum
Portrait of a Gentleman
Jean B. Sel, born Dominican Republic ca. 1780-died New Orleans, LA 1832 · ca. 1822
In the 1820s, gentlemen wore their shirt collars so high that the neck completely disappeared. The cravat could be worn in a wide variety of ways, and here it is shown in what appears to be the “Oriental” style. The sitter’s hair is cut and combed forward in the romantic style made popular by the English poet Lord Byron.
🔒
Order museum-quality prints
Sign in to order prints, canvas, and more of this work. Browsing and full-resolution downloads stay free.
