Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an ink print by the Impressionist artist P. le Robert. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Man is an 1875 etching on chine collé executed by the French printmaker P. le Robert. The work presents a solitary male figure rendered in fine linear detail, typical of the period’s interest in intimate, observational portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is depicted with short hair and a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in a high‑collared jacket and a buttoned vest that bears a modest pin. His pose and the subdued expression suggest a moment of quiet reflection, inviting viewers to contemplate his inner state.
Technique & Style
Le Robert employed the chine collé method, adhering a thin paper support to a sturdier backing before etching. This allowed for delicate line work and subtle tonal gradations, evident in the careful rendering of fabric textures, collar folds, and the soft shading that models the face.
History & Provenance
Created in 1875, the print is part of le Robert’s broader output of etchings, a medium in which he specialized during the late nineteenth century. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work is documented in catalogues of his prints and appears in collections focusing on French graphic art of the era.
Artist & collection
