“Portrait of Captain Charles Myrick (Study for ‘Embers’)” is a genre painting created in 1879 by the artist Eastman Johnson. The artwork, characterized by its formal and detailed representation, exemplifies Johnson’s skill in capturing the essence of his subjects through careful study and meticulous technique.
The artwork features an elderly man, identified as Captain Charles Myrick, depicted in a solemn and introspective pose. He is portrayed wearing a high-crowned, dark-colored hat, leaning slightly forward. The man clutches a cane, his hands knotted with age, suggesting a lifetime of experiences and memories. The play of light and shadow across his face and attire enhances the texture and depth, evoking a sense of realism and empathy in the observer. Johnson’s use of a muted, earth-toned palette adds a poignant touch to the overall composition, reflecting the subdued mood and gravity of the subject well.