Artwork

Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 2 "He suppressed an isthmus"

Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 2 "He suppressed an isthmus", by Unknown, 1869
Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 2 "He suppressed an isthmus", by Unknown, 1869

Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 2 "He suppressed an isthmus" is a print by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This print, titled 'Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No.

About this work

Overview

This print, titled 'Vanity Fair: Men of the Day, No. 2', features a caricature of a man from the 1860s. The drawing is accompanied by the caption 'He suppressed an isthmus', suggesting a humorous reference to the subject's character or profession.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted in formal attire, conveying confidence and authority. The caption implies that the individual has achieved a notable feat, possibly related to the construction of the Suez Canal, which connected two large bodies of water by suppressing the isthmus between them.

Technique & Style

The drawing is characterized by simplicity and sharpness, with a focus on capturing the subject's confident demeanor. The use of bold lines and minimal detail creates a sense of elegance and sophistication, typical of the caricature style popularized by 'Vanity Fair' magazine.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.