Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. It dates from 1889 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Man is an oil painting created by Edgar Degas in 1889, now part of the Clark Art Institute's collection. It portrays a seated male figure in a straightforward, contemplative pose.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a man with dark hair and a beard, is dressed in a dark jacket and white shirt. His face is turned slightly away, conveying a sense of introspection. The somber tone is enhanced by his dark attire and the unadorned background.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work features Degas' characteristic attention to capturing quiet, everyday moments. The plain wall background focuses attention on the subject's demeanor.
History & Provenance
Created in 1889, the painting is currently held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.
Context
While Degas is often associated with depictions of dancers and horse racing, this portrait highlights his ability to convey depth in quieter, more subdued scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born Hilaire-Germain-Edgar De Gas on 19 July 1834 in Paris, Edgar Degas came from an affluent banking family with aristocratic roots and spent his childhood among the cultivated circles of the French capital.
