Profile of a Man after 1865

Emanuel Leutze sketched this "Profile of a Man" in pencil on paper sometime in the 19th century. Leutze, a German-American painter, is best known for his large-scale history paintings that often depicted scenes from American history. This drawing offers a glimpse into the artist's process, and perhaps into the social circles in which he operated. The sitter’s formal attire suggests a professional or intellectual background, reflecting the growing importance of these classes in the 19th century. The quick, informal nature of the sketch implies a casual setting, such as a salon or a private gathering where Leutze might have encountered this individual. To fully understand this image, a historian might research Leutze's social connections and the cultural institutions he engaged with. By examining letters, journals, and exhibition records, we can contextualize this portrait within the broader artistic and social landscape of its time.