Artwork
Head of an Old Man
Head of an Old Man is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The painting is called Head of an Old Man.
It was made by Alphonse Legros in 1897.
The artist used silverpoint on pink prepared paper to create this portrait, which is a notable fact about this work, as it shows the artist's attention to detail and choice of medium.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the movement: Realism.
Overview
Alphonse Legros executed the drawing *Head of an Old Man* in 1897. The work is a silverpoint portrait on pink‑toned, prepared paper, presenting a solitary elderly figure in profile. The piece exemplifies Legros’s meticulous approach to line and his interest in rendering subtle facial features.
Subject & Meaning
The composition focuses on an aged male sitter, shown in strict profile. The careful rendering of the forehead, nose, and mouth suggests a study of character and the passage of time, aligning with realist concerns for truthful observation of individual physiognomy.
Technique & Style
Silverpoint, a medium that requires a metal stylus on a specially coated surface, yields fine, permanent lines that do not smudge. Legros exploited this quality to achieve delicate hatching and precise contouring, while the pink ground provides a warm undertone that moderates the metallic sheen of the drawing.
History & Provenance
Legros, born in France and later naturalized as a British citizen, was active in the late nineteenth century as a painter, etcher, sculptor and medallist. By the 1890s he was also a respected instructor at the Slade School of Fine Art, influencing a generation of British artists. The drawing was created during this mature period of his career.
Context
The work belongs to the realist tradition that emphasized direct observation and faithful representation of everyday subjects. In the 1890s, British art saw a revival of traditional drawing techniques, and Legros’s use of silverpoint reflects both a historical homage and a contemporary commitment to craftsmanship.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
