The artwork titled “Man of the day No.36° – Caricature of Matthew Arnold” was created by the artist James Tissot in 1871. This piece is part of the “Man of the day (Caricatures)” series and belongs to the Realism art movement, specifically within the genre of caricature.
The artwork presents a caricature of Matthew Arnold, depicted in a humorous and exaggerated manner. Arnold is illustrated with distinctive features such as pronounced sideburns and a slightly exaggerated posture. He is dressed in Victorian-era attire including a three-piece suit and long coat, standing with one hand on his hip and the other resting behind him on a walking stick, exuding a casual yet intellectual demeanor. The composition employs a minimalist background, allowing the detailed rendering of the figure itself to command full attention. Published in Vanity Fair on November 11, 1871, the caption beneath reads, “Men of the Day, No. 36,” coupled with a quote attributed to Arnold, enhancing the piece’s character and wit.