Artwork
Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 42 "The Apostle of the Flesh"
Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 42 "The Apostle of the Flesh" is a print by the Impressionist artist Adriano Cecioni. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Adriano Cecioni’s 1872 print, published in the British periodical *Vanity Fair* as “Men of the Day, No. 42 – The Apostle of the Flesh,” is a satirical portrait typical of the magazine’s illustrated profiles. The work depicts a gentleman in a dark coat and trousers, white shirt and black shoes, turning his head over the left shoulder with a serious expression.
Subject & Meaning
The figure, rendered with a mustache and a relaxed stance, is presented as a caricature of a contemporary public personality, the title suggesting a moral commentary on indulgence or sensuality. The light tan background isolates the sitter, emphasizing his attire and demeanor while the satirical tone invites viewers to question his public reputation.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the image reflects Cecioni’s training in the Macchiaioli movement, which prized bold brushwork and direct observation. Though a caricature, the work retains realistic detailing in the clothing and facial features, aligning it with the broader Realist interest in accurate, everyday representation.
History & Provenance
Cecioni, an Italian artist known for both painting and criticism, contributed this piece during his brief engagement with *Vanity Fair*, a leading venue for social satire in the late nineteenth century. The print was circulated as part of the magazine’s monthly series, reaching a readership across Britain and the continent.
Context
The Macchiaioli, active in Italy in the mid‑1800s, emphasized light and color spots (macchie) to capture immediacy. Cecioni’s involvement with this group informed his approach to caricature, merging the movement’s expressive vigor with the magazine’s demand for recognizable yet exaggerated likenesses of public figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriano Cecioni (July 26, 1836 – May 23, 1886) was an Italian artist, caricaturist, and critic associated with the Macchiaioli group.
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