The artwork titled “Jerome Ottoz” is an oil on cardboard portrait created by the artist Edgar Degas between 1875 and 1876. This work is a representation of the Impressionist movement and is categorized within the genre of portraiture. Currently, the painting is part of a private collection.
The painting depicts the portrait of a gentleman with an intense and pensive gaze. The subject’s face is well lit, contrasting with the dark background. He appears to be middle-aged with signs of wrinkles and a serious expression. The painting is characterized by expressive brushwork, typical of the Impressionist style, capturing the essence of the subject more than the finite details. Degas’ use of color and light focus the viewer’s attention on the subject’s face, particularly his eyes. The attire of the gentleman suggests an era consistent with the date of the painting, and his clothing is painted with broad strokes, giving a sense of form without precise detail. Degas’ mastery in portraying the human condition is evident through the emotional depth captured in the subject’s facial expression.
