Portrait of a Gentleman 1752 - 1828

"Portrait of a Gentleman," is a miniature painting made by Edward Miles, an artist born in 1752. During the 18th century, portrait miniatures were more than just keepsakes; they signified social status and personal identity. The sitter’s powdered hair, dark coat, and subtle expression speak to the conventions of masculinity at the time. Yet, it also hints at the sitter's personal story—his aspirations, affiliations, and perhaps even vulnerabilities. Consider that the materials alone—likely watercolor on ivory—speak to a certain level of wealth and access, reflective of the sitter's place within a hierarchical society. As you gaze upon this tiny window into the past, reflect on the ways in which we construct and perform identity, both then and now. What stories do we tell through our appearance, and what emotions do we reveal, or conceal, in our portraits?