Man with Heart-Shaped Pin

Dateca. 1815

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsUnframed: 27 5/8 x 21 3/4in. (70.2 x 55.2cm) and Framed: 32 x 26 1/2in.

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1935.100.7

DescriptionOil portrait of man seen half-length against a greyish brown background. Man slightly turned to left and looking back to his right. He has light brown hair and curly long sideburns and his hair appears to be brushed back from forehead. Black coat with collar high behind head and lapels. Black buttons visible down right side of coat which is open to see half-buttoned white waistcoat or vest and white shirt with ruffles down front. His shirt collar is pointed around his jaw, and he wears a white neckcloth tied in a bow. He wears a pin in his shirt. The pin appears to have originally been intended to be gold pin with pearls but now it is goldish heart shape. Pale grey eyes.
Label TextThe date of this painting is based on the details of the gray-eyed gentleman's attire: black coat with wide lapels, white vest, and ruffled white shirt with neatly tied neckcloth. Soft curves and shadows of the subject's face and hair against the shaded brown background of the painting gives the work a modern, almost abstract feeling and lively rhythm, an appeal that is likely what Mrs. Rockefeller enjoyed most about the composition. She purchased the work in Providence, Rhode Island in the 1930s.
MarkingsNone found
ProvenanceFound by Holger Cahill and purchased by Mrs. Rockefeller from Hollywood Antique Shop, Providence, Rhode Island. Given to C. W. by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.