Artwork
Old man wearing an overcoat and cap
Old man wearing an overcoat and cap is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Herbert Cole. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Herbert Cole's 1899 pen and ink drawing depicts a seated elderly man wearing a long overcoat and cap, rendered in bold, expressive lines on a beige background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, an ordinary elderly man, is portrayed with introspective demeanor, eyes gazing distantly, and arms crossed. The inscription 'from memory' suggests a personal or observed subject, rather than a commissioned portrait.
Technique & Style
The drawing features loose, bold lines and varied shading, creating a sense of texture and depth. Cole's style emphasizes character and atmosphere over precise detail, reflecting his focus on capturing everyday individuals.
History & Provenance
Signed with Cole's monogram and dated 1899, the work is a characteristic example of his portrait oeuvre, which concentrated on common people.
Context
While Cole's work does not align with Impressionist movements (despite the suggested connection), it shares a similar interest in everyday life subjects, though executed in a distinct, more restrained medium.
Legacy
This drawing represents Cole's enduring approach to portraying the human experience through simple, yet expressive, depictions of ordinary individuals.
Artist & collection
Artist
Herbert Cole (1867–1930) was an English book illustrator and portrait artist. Cole was influenced by Walter Crane and Sir Edward Burne-Jones. He illustrated a range of books published by various notable publishers. He…
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