Portrait of a Man (c.1866) by Edgar Degas

Portrait of a Man - Edgar Degas - c.1866

Artwork Information

TitlePortrait of a Man
ArtistEdgar Degas
Datec.1866
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementImpressionism
Current LocationBrooklyn Museum, New York City, NY, US

About Portrait of a Man

The artwork titled “Portrait of a Man” is a creation by Edgar Degas, an artist renowned for his contributions to the Impressionist movement. This oil on canvas portrait was completed around the year 1866. Impressionism, known for its focus on light and color, is the artistic movement under which this work is categorized. The genre of the artwork is that of a portrait, depicting a male subject. Presently, it finds its residence in the Brooklyn Museum located in New York City, NY, US.

“Portrait of a Man” by Edgar Degas captures an individual in a moment of introspection and stillness. The subject is seated in a red upholstered chair, his body slightly turned towards the viewer. He poses with his hands clasped, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation or reservation. The sitter’s attire and bearded countenance typical of 19th-century male fashion are rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes—a signature of Degas’s impressionistic style.

The background suggests a domestic setting; a window with glimpses of the outside world is partially visible, alongside what appears to be a table adorned with objects. The artwork employs a rather muted palette dominated by earthy tones, which, together with the interplay of light and shadow, create a sense of volume and depth. The painting is reflective of Degas’s masterful ability to portray human figures with psychological complexity and his meticulous attention to composition and form.

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