The artwork “Dilke, Charles Wentworth” is a portrait executed by the artist James Tissot in the year 1871. This work is a representation of the Realism art movement. Realism seeks to depict subjects as they appear in everyday life, without embellishment or interpretation. In this genre, the portrait presents an honest and naturalistic portrayal of its subject.
The artwork features a full-length depiction of a man positioned in three-quarter profile. The figure is dressed in a dark, double-breasted coat that is typical of the fashion from the time period, which harmonizes with the somber palette of his attire, including the trousers and shoes. He stands with one hand inserted in his pocket, conveying a relaxed yet confident stance. The subject has a beard and mustache, and his facial expression is stern, with a direct, almost challenging, gaze towards the viewer. The background of the artwork is plain and unadorned, highlighting the figure and creating an immediate focus on his presence. The application of color and rendering of the light suggest a meticulous attention to the details of the man’s clothing and physical characteristics, hallmarks of the Realist approach to portraiture.
