The artwork titled “Leon Delafosse,” created by John Singer Sargent between circa 1895 and circa 1898, is an oil painting on canvas that falls within the Realism movement. It has the dimensions of 101 x 59.5 cm and represents the genre of portraiture.
The artwork depicts a young man, identified as Leon Delafosse, against a dark, undefined background, effectively focusing the viewer’s attention on the subject. He stands confidently with one hand on his hip and the other partially obscured by the shadows, presenting a composed and self-assured demeanor. The detailed rendering of the subject’s facial features, especially his piercing gaze and meticulously groomed mustache, highlights Sargent’s mastery in capturing the essence and character of his sitters. The use of light and shadow in the painting is particularly noteworthy, as it enhances the three-dimensionality of the form and brings a sense of realism and immediacy to the portrait.
