William Gale

William Gale

Artwork Type: Painting

Artwork Date: 1776

Author: Philip Leslie Hale

Institution: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Artwork Size: Height: 0.035 meters, Width: 0.029 meters

This miniature portrait depicts a man, presumably William Gale, set against a muted, grayish-brown background. He is dressed in the fashion of the late 18th century, with a powdered wig, a simple white cravat, and a blue jacket with a darker blue collar. The subject's face and upper torso are illuminated, drawing the viewer's attention to his rosy complexion and attentive expression. The artist's initials "PH" and the date "1776" are inscribed vertically on the right side of the portrait. The miniature is encased in an oval silver frame with a loop at the top for hanging.