Artwork
Sergent - Major de la Nième Légion
Sergent - Major de la Nième Légion is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sergent - Major de la Nième Légion is a print by Paul Gavarni, dated 1857, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a stout figure in a striped shirt and long apron, with a serious expression, standing with hands in pockets. The title suggests a low-ranking military officer, but the apron implies a possible connection to a culinary or labor role.
Technique & Style
Rendered in shades of gray, the drawing features precise lines defining the subject's face and attire, while the background cityscape is blurred. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing contrasts between light and dark, is evident in the work.
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.
