Continental European: Artist Unknown

Nineteenth Century European Gentleman
Depicted in Sleeping Attire

Continental European
circa 1840
Artist unknown

1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches (sight)

Although it is painted simplistically, and although both its subject and artist are unknown, this miniature is a favorite in the collection due to the intimacy and emotion it conveys. The subject is depicted in sleeping attire, with tired looking eyes and stubble on his face, as he would have appeared just before going to sleep. This portrait was surely painted as a gift for a spouse or lover, to be kept by her bedside as a reminder of her partner's affection in his absence (he was likely traveling abroad). Perhaps his wife had a similar portrait painted of herself, to be kept by her husband during his travels, providing comfort to him as he retired for the evening in whatever distant place he might have traveled to. Due to their intimate subject matter, such miniature portraits are rarely encountered, and are prized finds for discriminating collectors.

Attribution Advice Welcomed: Do you recognize aspects of this miniature portrait that you believe should be attributed to a specific artist that we have failed to consider? If so, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions and invite you to contact us.