Gentleman in Grey Coat with White Jabot

This portrait, which was created by the English miniaturist John Smart, may well be regarded as one of his masterpieces. It represents a gentleman in a dark velvet coat and a light-coloured jabot. Most of the picture is taken up by the especially delicately reproduced face with its vivid, telling expression. While the portrait is calm, it is not in the least unemotional, as the artist used warm colours.

The fact that the extravagantly designed locket does not detract from the painting,¹ but on the contrary enhances its impact, is also a sign of quality. Smart is typical of those miniaturists who tended to repeat a style of representation once they recognised it as effective. Single miniatures always come over as very convincing; however, when placed side by side they seem almost to be members of the same family.

D. O.