Artwork
Vanity Fair: Statesman No., 81 "The Last Generation"
Vanity Fair: Statesman No., 81 "The Last Generation" is a print by the Impressionist artist Carlo (Ape) Pellegrini. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Carlo Pellegrini’s 1871 print titled “Vanity Fair: Statesman No.
About this work
Overview
Carlo Pellegrini’s 1871 print titled “Vanity Fair: Statesman No., 81 ‘The Last Generation’” is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work appears as a portrait of an elderly gentleman seated on a red sofa, rendered in a restrained palette that emphasizes his solemn demeanor.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is depicted with white hair and a full beard, dressed in a black top hat, jacket, white shirt and tan trousers. His gaze is directed to the right, suggesting contemplation of something beyond the frame, while his relaxed posture conveys a quiet, reflective mood.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the image employs clear line work and modest shading to model the sitter’s features and clothing. The light brown background provides a neutral field that focuses attention on the subject’s face and attire, reflecting the realist tendencies of Pellegrini’s portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1871, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its inclusion in the museum’s print and drawing department highlights the institution’s interest in 19th‑century portraiture and the work of Italian artists active in England.
Artist & collection
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