The artwork titled “Joseph Jefferson” is a portrait created by John Singer Sargent in 1890. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 91.4 x 72.4 cm, and is classified within the Realism art movement.
In this portrait, the subject, Joseph Jefferson, is depicted with an air of distinguished presence. His attire consists of dark, formal clothing punctuated with white ruffles and a bow tie. The artist, Sargent, employs a rich, dark background that contrasts sharply with Jefferson’s white hair and accentuates the figure’s expressive facial features. The meticulous rendering of textures and play of light highlights Sargent’s mastery in capturing both the physical likeness and the character of his sitter. The overall composition exudes a sense of gravitas and refined elegance, consistent with Sargent’s realist approach to portraiture.