Artwork

Portrait of an old man

Portrait of an old man, by Jean Lulves, oil, 1871
Portrait of an old man, by Jean Lulves, oil, 1871

Portrait of an old man is an oil painting by Jean Lulves. It dates from 1871 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. Jean Lulvès, a Franco‑German painter active in the late 19th century, produced a portrait of an elderly gentleman in oil around 1871.

About this work

Overview

Jean Lulvès, a Franco‑German painter active in the late 19th century, produced a portrait of an elderly gentleman in oil around 1871. The work belongs to the portrait genre and is part of the National Museum’s collection in Warsaw.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown from the chest upward, turned slightly to his right, with a calm, neutral gaze. A receding hairline and wire‑framed spectacles rest on his nose, while a dark jacket over a white shirt frames his shoulders, suggesting a dignified, introspective presence.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a deep red backdrop that heightens the contrast between the model’s pale complexion and his dark attire. The brushwork is smooth, emphasizing the subtle modeling of facial features and the reflective quality of the glasses.

History & Provenance

Born in Mulhouse, Alsace, in 1833, Lulvès worked on a range of historical and decorative commissions, including projects in Berlin and Moscow. The portrait entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings, where it remains on display.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jean Lulves

Jean Lulvès (26 November 1833, Mulhouse, Alsace – 8 January 1889, Berlin was a Franco-German painter, specializing in genre painting and decorative works for large rooms such as the Coronation Hall in the Kremlin and…