Artwork
L'amateur chez lui (The Collector at Home)
L'amateur chez lui (The Collector at Home) is an oil painting by Charles Alexander Smith. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
L'amateur chez lui (The Collector at Home) is a painting created around 1899 by Charles Alexander Smith, a Canadian artist from Ontario. The work is executed in oil paint.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts an elderly man with a long white beard, seated in a dimly lit room surrounded by various objects, including artworks and sculptures. His refined attire and the objects in the room convey a sense of culture and sophistication.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of chiaroscuro, with strong contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and drama to the scene, drawing attention to the collector and the objects that surround him.
History & Provenance
The painting is now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Alexander Smith (1864–1915) was a Canadian painter from Ontario. He was professionally known as Charles Alexander.
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