The artwork entitled “Man of the day No.03° – Émile Ollivier” is a creation by the artist James Tissot, dating back to the year 1870. This work belongs to the art movement known as Realism and falls within the genre of caricature, specifically being part of a series titled “Man of the day (Caricatures).” The piece presumably offers a satirical or humorous portrayal, as is typical of the caricature genre.
In the artwork, we observe a gentleman seated, appearing to be Émile Ollivier, based on the title. He is dressed in formal attire of the late 19th century, featuring a dark coat, a white shirt, and a black bow tie. His hands are folded neatly on his lap, and he holds what appears to be red-bound books or documents, likely symbolizing his role or profession. His expression is serious, with a notable set of round eyeglasses that add to the characteristic exaggeration of a caricature. His hair is styled in a manner consistent with the time period.
Beneath the figure, the text succinctly identifies the series and the number of the work, making it clear that this subject is the third of its kind in the series. The artwork was also used in “Vanity Fair” magazine, with its publication date noted as January 15, 1870, and this specific edition pricing listed. The background is minimalistic, drawing focus to the figure and reinforcing the typical style of a print intended for periodical publication. The deliberate stylization and medium choice contribute to the viewer’s understanding that this artwork served both an artistic and social commentary function in its day.
