184 European school (XVIII) - Watercolor Portrait - Colmetti 1789

This watercolor portrait depicts a young man in a wide plumed hat and pleated collar, rendered with dramatic contrast and expressive modeling. The sitter's features, costume, and stylization suggest theatrical or noble allusions typical of 18th-century Italian character studies. The signature Colmetti 1789 appears in the lower left corner, indicating both the artist and date. The technique employs transparent washes and sharp contour lines, aligning with the European academic tradition of costume portraiture and expressive physiognomy. The work comes from the Winfield Robbins print collection, a historic archive of rare engravings and drawings preserved in Arlington, Massachusetts. Colmetti remains a little-documented figure, likely an Italian or Italian-influenced draftsman active in the late 18th century, contributing to the theatrical or illustrative visual culture of the time.

Provenance: The Winfield Robbins print collection of Arlington, Massachusetts.

Artist or Maker:

European School

Dimensions:

21 cm x 25 cm

Medium: 

Watercolour drawing

Date: 

1789

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.