The artwork titled “Edward Ogilvie,” created by Tom Roberts in 1895, is a portrait that exemplifies the Impressionism art movement. In this work, Roberts skillfully employs his impressionistic techniques to convey the character and presence of the subject, Edward Ogilvie.
The portrait features a distinguished elderly gentleman, positioned against a monochromatic, earthy-toned background that accentuates his figure. The background, rendered in a rich shade of brown with hints of red, places emphasis on the subject, highlighting the refined brushwork characteristic of Tom Roberts. The subject’s posture, with a slightly tilted head and a composed yet confident demeanor, is captured beautifully. His mustache, thinly parted lips, and the texture of his suit add to the lifelike quality of the portrait. The use of lighting and shadowing subtly brings out the depth and contours of the subject’s facial features and attire, reflecting Roberts’ mastery in portraiture within the boundaries of Impressionism.
