Smithsonian American Art Museum
Portrait of a New York Gentleman
George Linen, born Greenlaw, Scotland 1802-died New York City 1888 · ca. 1840
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.
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