Artwork

Portrait of Henry Field

Portrait of Henry Field, by Léon Bonnat, oil, 1898
Portrait of Henry Field, by Léon Bonnat, oil, 1898

Portrait of Henry Field is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Léon Bonnat. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

His beard and mustache are neatly trimmed, and he’s looking straight ahead with a serious expression.

This painting shows a man in a dark suit and white shirt, standing with one hand in his pocket. His beard and mustache are neatly trimmed, and he’s looking straight ahead with a serious expression. The background is a plain, dark brown color that makes his face stand out.

The artist signed the painting in the top left corner with the year 1896. The brushstrokes are smooth, especially on the suit and shirt, giving it a polished look.

Next, check out Léon Bonnat to see how he painted other serious-looking portraits.

Overview

Portrait of Henry Field is an oil painting created by French artist Léon Bonnat in 1898. The work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Henry Field, a man of discerning appearance, dressed in a dark suit and white shirt, with neatly trimmed beard and mustache. His serious expression and direct gaze characterize the subject's demeanor.

Technique & Style

Bonnat executed the painting with smooth brushstrokes, particularly evident in the rendering of the suit and shirt, contributing to a polished overall appearance. Although initially associated with post-impressionism in earlier descriptions, the smooth technique here aligns more closely with traditional portrait painting of the late 19th century.

History & Provenance

Despite the artist's signature dating the work to 1896, the painting is recorded as having been created in 1898. It is now held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Context

Léon Bonnat, a renowned French painter and educator at the École des Beaux-Arts, held the honor of Grand Officer of the Légion d'honneur. Beyond his artistic practice, Bonnat was also a notable art collector.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Léon Bonnat

Artist

Léon Bonnat

Léon Joseph Florentin Bonnat (French pronunciation: ; 20 June 1833 – 8 September 1922) was a French painter, Grand Officer of the Légion d'honneur, art collector and professor at the Ecole des Beaux Arts.