Artwork
Pierre Louis Alexandre
Pierre Louis Alexandre is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Karin Bergöö Larsson. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1880, this oil on canvas—mounted on board—depicts a seated male figure rendered by Swedish artist Karin Bergöö Larsson. The work is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and exemplifies the painter’s early exploration of portraiture through a straightforward, yet textured visual language.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is shown seated, elbows resting on his knees, dressed in a loose white shirt, a yellow cloth tied around his waist, and red‑and‑white striped trousers. His expression is solemn, marked by a full beard and a faint frown, suggesting a contemplative or introspective mood rather than a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
The surface is built up with thick, visible brushstrokes that create a palpable texture, a technique akin to impasto. This materiality allows light and shadow to be modeled in a naturalistic manner, giving the figure a sense of volume while retaining the painter’s hand in each mark.
History & Provenance
After its completion in the late nineteenth century, the painting entered the public domain through acquisition by the National Gallery of Art, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s early career, reflecting her development before she became known for her later decorative and textile designs.
Context
The work emerges from a period when Scandinavian artists were engaging with realism and natural light, often employing robust brushwork to convey immediacy. Bergöö Larsson’s choice of a simple, everyday subject aligns with contemporary trends that favored honest representation over idealized portraiture.
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