Gentleman with a Book

Pierre-Édouard Dagoty was the leading miniaturist in Bordeaux in the first third of the 19th century. A talented and highly productive artist who always presented his models in the same position, he invariably created astonishingly unique portraits of his subjects with warm, intimate, and good-natured expressions. This portrait of an unknown man is no exception. The sitter is portrayed with a slightly inclined head and half-closed eyes; he is looking at the viewer in a relaxed and tender manner. Under his right arm, he is holding a book with a red cover. This detail must have had a great significance for him and for the intended recipient of the miniature since its addition at the lower edge of the bust portrait appears somewhat forced. For this portrait, Dagoty chose an unusual and strikingly light brown background against which the dark silhouette of the model stands out effectively and generates a remarkable presence. The sitter’s white waistcoat with its black trim is an eye-catcher. The artist possibly painted this fashionable detail from his imagination to lend the portrait a festive freshness.