Self Portrait by Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
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“Stop and admire this exquisitely detailed miniature self-portrait from 1795. Its small size and luminous quality on ivory offer an intimate connection to an unknown face from the late 18th century.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This miniature self-portrait, painted in 1795, captures the artist's direct gaze within a small, intimate format. The detailed brushwork on ivory creates a luminous quality, highlighting the subtleties of his expression. He appears in contemporary attire, his powdered wig and high collar suggesting a person of some standing in late 18th-century society. The delicate scale of the work, just over three inches square, was typical for portraits of this era, often carried as keepsakes or worn as jewelry. This piece offers a rare glimpse into the appearance of an individual whose identity has been lost to history, inviting viewers to connect with a face from over two centuries ago.

DETAILS
Artist
Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen
Date
1795
Medium
Watercolor on ivory
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
3 1/4 × 3 1/4 in. (8.3 × 8.3 cm)
Collection
The American Wing
Credit line
Dale T. Johnson Fund, 2014
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Self Portrait
01

The artist's direct, confident gaze.

02

The intricate details of his powdered wig.

03

The subtle blush on his cheeks.

04

The delicate brushstrokes that define his cravat.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through Self Portrait — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST

Artist Unknown - The Mercat Cross, Aberdeen

This 'Artist Unknown' represents a vast collection of anonymous creators, whose works like 'Boston Common' and 'Self Portrait' offer glimpses into diverse historical periods and artistic practices.

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