Artwork
Head of an Old Man
Head of an Old Man is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Head of an Old Man is a drawing by French artist Paul Gavarni, dated to 1858, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts an elderly man with a rugged, weathered face and unkempt hair. His defensive posture—fur collar pulled up and hands clasped on his chest—conveys a sense of vulnerability or introspection, emphasizing the realities of aging.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, rapid lines, the sketch prioritizes expressive capture over fine detail, characteristic of the Realist movement's emphasis on truthful representation of everyday life and people.
History & Provenance
Created in 1858, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific details of its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided here.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.
