Artwork
Petit portrait
Petit portrait is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Maurice Dumont. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Maurice Dumont’s Petit portrait is a lithographic print executed in 1895. Rendered in a muted red‑brown hue on Japan paper, the work presents a compact, intimate depiction of a young man. The figure’s face is illuminated on one side, suggesting a gentle, diffused light that accentuates the contours of his features.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a solitary, half‑lit portrait, focusing on the contemplative expression of the sitter. The limited palette and restrained composition convey a quiet, personal atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the inner life of the subject rather than any narrative context.
Technique & Style
Dumont employed traditional lithography, drawing directly on a smooth limestone slab with a greasy crayon. The process relies on the repulsion of oil and water, allowing the artist’s marks to be transferred onto paper. The red‑brown ink and subtle tonal gradations reflect the medium’s capacity for delicate shading and atmospheric effects.
History & Provenance
Created in the late nineteenth century, the print reflects Dumont’s engagement with the lithographic tradition prevalent in French art circles of the period. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work remains a representative example of his printmaking output from the 1890s.
Artist & collection
![Profile of a Boy and Self-Portrait [recto], by Paul Gauguin](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/paul-gauguin--profile-of-a-boy-and-self-portrait-recto--02ac582038ff6ec2-w320.webp)
