Artwork

Portrait of an old man /model/

Portrait of an old man /model/, by Ludomir Benedyktowicz, oil, 1870
Portrait of an old man /model/, by Ludomir Benedyktowicz, oil, 1870

Portrait of an old man /model/ is an oil painting by the Realist artist Ludomir Benedyktowicz. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1870 by Ludomir Benedyktowicz, is a portrait of an elderly man. It is part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted seated in a wooden chair, wearing a dark coat and glasses, with a focus on his face through the use of lighting. The somber background and attire convey a sense of solemnity.

Technique & Style

Benedyktowicz employed thick brushstrokes to capture texture, particularly in the subject's coat and skin. The strong contrast between light and dark, known as chiaroscuro, draws attention to the subject's face.

Context

The painting is associated with the Realism movement. Benedyktowicz, a Polish artist, had a diverse background that included landscape painting, military service, writing, and chess.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ludomir Benedyktowicz

Artist

Ludomir Benedyktowicz

Ludomir Ludwik Dominik Benedyktowicz (15 August 1844 – 1/14 December 1926) was a Polish landscape painter, soldier, writer, and amateur chess player.