Portrait of a Young Black Man

The subject of this unfinished portrait wears a cutaway shape jacket and a striking red neckcloth. Such clothing articles are often associated with British sailors. However, the jacket’s oversized but tons were a popular fashion trend. Rather than establish a profession, this detail may simply reflect its wearer’s desire to be seen as stylish. The way in which he directly engages the viewer suggests that the sitter had a level of agency in the commission and either ordered the portrait himself or was known to the person who did.