Artwork
Propriétaire
Propriétaire is a print 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
Paul Gavarni’s print titled Propriétaire dates from around 1858 and is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a solitary figure in a simple interior setting, rendered in the graphic style characteristic of mid‑nineteenth‑century French illustration.
Subject & Meaning
The image shows a man in a long coat, standing in profile and looking to the right. His hands are placed in his pockets, and his expression is serious, suggesting a moment of quiet self‑reflection. The composition’s restrained mood invites viewers to consider the figure’s inner state rather than any narrative action.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the work relies on line and tonal contrast to define form. Gavarni employs a limited palette of dark clothing against a light background, with a darker plane behind the figure that may indicate a wall or doorway. The handling of line and shading reflects the illustrative traditions of the period, emphasizing clarity of contour over painterly texture.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1858, Propriétaire entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its presence in the museum’s collection situates the piece within a broader assemblage of nineteenth‑century French prints, offering insight into Gavarni’s output beyond his more widely known caricatures.
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.
