Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Hubert von Herkomer. It dates from 1881 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hubert von Herkomer’s Portrait of a Man is an 1881 etching on laid paper, catalogued as a print. The work resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. It presents a solitary figure rendered in monochrome, capturing a moment of informal self‑presentation.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts an elderly gentleman with a full white beard and moustache, caught adjusting his collar while offering a faint smile. The relaxed pose and subtle expression suggest a candid, perhaps personal, portrayal rather than a formal commission, inviting viewers to consider the sitter’s character and age.
Technique & Style
Created through the etching process, Herkomer incised lines into a metal plate, which were then bitten with acid to hold ink. The resulting dark, textured marks on the rough‑edged laid paper convey a sense of immediacy; the loose, swift strokes give the portrait a sketch‑like vitality uncommon in more polished prints.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in 1881, during a period when Herkomer was exploring social subjects and portraiture. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains part of the museum’s print and drawing collection, accessible for study and exhibition.
Artist & collection
