Roman Hunter 1767

Cornelius Høyer painted this miniature portrait of an unknown man, sometime in the late 18th century. The sitter, dressed in hunting attire, is posed with a rifle and dog. During this period, hunting was a preserve of the aristocracy, reflecting social status and power. But more than this, his attire and the label “Roman Hunter” suggest a romanticized vision of masculinity, linking the sitter to classical ideals of virility and prowess. Yet, there’s a tension here: his delicate features and soft gaze offer a counterpoint to this image of masculine strength, hinting at the performative aspects of identity. The intimacy of the miniature format invites a personal connection, drawing us into a dialogue about representation, gender, and the gaze. Is this a straightforward depiction of aristocratic masculinity, or a subtle commentary on its artifice?