The artwork, titled “Old Man, Seated,” was created by Eastman Johnson in 1855. This piece belongs to the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture.
The artwork portrays an elderly man seated on a simple wooden chair against a stark, unadorned background. The man’s expression and posture convey a sense of deep thought or melancholy, as he rests his head on one hand with a contemplative demeanor. His attire consists of a muted, blue-toned jacket and trousers, rendered in a manner that emphasizes the texture and modesty of his clothing. The overall composition is minimalistic, directing the viewer’s attention solely to the subject and the poignant sense of character and life experience he embodies. The use of light and shadow in the piece adds depth and highlights the detailed, realistic portrayal of the old man, in line with the principles of the Realism movement.
