The artwork, titled “Cecil Harrison,” is a distinguished portrait executed by the renowned artist John Singer Sargent around the year 1888. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Realism movement. The artwork has dimensions of 172.7 by 83.5 centimeters and is housed in the Southampton City Art Gallery, located in Southampton, UK.
In “Cecil Harrison,” Sargent captures the subject, a young boy, with a remarkable sense of presence and detail. The boy stands poised, dressed in a dark, possibly naval-themed outfit with a white collar that provides a stark contrast to his attire. His gaze is directed slightly off to the left, revealing a contemplative or introspective expression. The background, a rich dark hue, serves to emphasize the illuminated features of the boy, further highlighting the lifelike quality that is characteristic of Sargent’s work. The use of light and shadow in the artwork is masterful, contributing to the depth and realism that make this portrait an exemplary piece within both the artist’s oeuvre and the broader Realism movement.
