Artwork

Portrait of a man with a cigar in his hand

Portrait of a man with a cigar in his hand, by Unknown, oil, 1875
Portrait of a man with a cigar in his hand, by Unknown, oil, 1875

Portrait of a man with a cigar in his hand is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. The work is an oil painting depicting a solitary figure dressed in a dark brown coat, positioned before an unadorned dark backdrop.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting depicting a solitary figure dressed in a dark brown coat, positioned before an unadorned dark backdrop. The man holds a cigar in his right hand while his left hand rests on a walking stick, and his cuffs are rolled up. His expression is serious, and a mustache frames his mouth, giving the portrait a restrained, formal presence.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s posture and accessories suggest a self‑portrait of a gentleman of the period, perhaps indicating his social standing or personal habits. The cigar and walking stick function as symbols of leisure and mobility, while the composed demeanor may reflect a desire to convey dignity and self‑control within a private or public context.

Technique & Style

The painter employs chiaroscuro, creating stark contrasts between illuminated areas of the face and coat and the surrounding darkness. This manipulation of light produces a sculptural quality, enhancing the three‑dimensional illusion of the figure. The restrained palette and careful modeling of textures underscore the realism typical of portraiture in the era of oil painting.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known