Gilbert Stuart (American, North Kingston, Rhode Island 1755–1828 Boston, Massachusetts), Portrait of the Artist, ca. 1786. Oil on canvas, 10 5/8 x 8 7/8 in. (27 x 22.5 cm). Fletcher Fund, 1926; 26.16 © 2000–2016 The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This small self-portrait, not intended for exhibition, was probably done soon after the artist's marriage to Charlotte Coates in 1786. A note on the back, written by Stuart's daughter Jane, says, "He painted a small sketch of himself for my mother (in London after great persuasion) but could not be induced to finish it." Despite this assertion, it might be argued that Stuart would have found the portrayal finished enough as a token of affection, focused as it is on the features he deemed crucial to the portrayal of likeness and character, the nose and the brow. 

This work is exhibited in the "Unfinished: Thoughts Left Invisible" exhibition, on view through September 4th, 2016. #MetBreuer