Artwork

Self-Portrait in the Role of M. Prud'homme

Self-Portrait in the Role of M. Prud'homme, by Henry Bonaventure Monnier, 1873
Self-Portrait in the Role of M. Prud'homme, by Henry Bonaventure Monnier, 1873

Self-Portrait in the Role of M. Prud'homme is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Henry Bonaventure Monnier. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Self-Portrait in the Role of M.

About this work

This painting depicts a man in a black suit with a white collar and a red pocket square, standing with his hands in his pockets.

This painting depicts a man in a black suit with a white collar and a red pocket square, standing with his hands in his pockets. He has a receding hairline and is wearing black shoes with white socks. The background is a light brown color.

The man's pose and facial expression suggest a sense of confidence and self-assurance. His attire and hairstyle are consistent with the style of the late 19th century.

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the painting. The contrast between light and dark adds to the overall mood of the piece. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, look up the technique.

Overview

Self-Portrait in the Role of M. Prud'homme is a drawing by Henry Bonaventure Monnier, dated 1873, and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing portrays a man, likely the artist himself, dressed in late 19th-century attire, exuding confidence through his pose and facial expression. The character of M. Prud'homme is depicted wearing a black suit with a red pocket square, suggesting a persona or role being portrayed.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, with contrasting light and dark areas contributing to the overall mood. The level of detail in the subject's attire and the simple, light brown background are characteristic of the drawing's style.

Artist & collection

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