Portrait of a Shopkeeper

American 19th Century

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two men captured from head to toe, standing in front of a backdrop. The man on the left is standing side-on, facing the other man, and he is holding an umbrella and a slender object in his hands. He is wearing a dark overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat. His facial features include a visible profile with short hair. The man on the right is standing behind a counter or table, facing forward. He is wearing a three-piece suit with a vest, and his facial features include short hair and a mustache. There are no visible earrings or necklaces on either man. Around them, there is a large basket on the floor beside them, and behind the counter, there are jars and a box with illustrations. The background features a painted scene resembling an outdoor garden setting with a large decorative urn and plant, giving an impression of a studio setting with props and backdrops used to mimic an outdoor market or garden environment.