A date for this gentlemen's portrait

[Canuc]

Treetotal,

"It looks like a Pastel Portrait on Ingress paper. "
Interesting observation, does the paper type suggest an amateur rather than a professional artist?

The barter idea is a logical way round the how was it paid for question.

Thank you
Canuc

[Treetotal]

I am an amateur artist and use Ingres paper for chalk and charcoal drawings, or, oil or chalk pastel as it has a grainy surface that holds the pastels well.
It could be used by both amatuer and professionals artists.
You may want to look at early census returns for Family who may have listed themselves as "Artist" as their occupation.
In the 1850s, photography was in its infancy so portraits were the only means of creating a likeness.
Carol

[Ruskie]

Good observation about this being pastel Carol.

I did wonder if sitting for the portrait might be a favour for an artist friend with no payment involved.

I was hoping that the original might contain a signature somewhere, perhaps even hidden by a mount or the frame. It’s worth looking at the back too just in case. 

Professional or amateur, the artist was very competent. Sitter has a very young face but a slightly receeding hairline, not that that means he older. I agree with Carol’s estimate of early 20s.