“Portrait of Elbert Hubbard (The Roycrafter)” is an oil on canvas portrait painted by William Merritt Chase in 1902. This artwork, exemplary of the Impressionism movement, measures 45.72 x 38.1 cm. The artwork depicts a portrait genre and encapsulates the refined techniques typical of the Impressionist style.
The artwork portrays a contemplative scene featuring Elbert Hubbard engrossed in reading, within a warmly lit interior environment. His attire, a dark suit with a white shirt, suggests a formal and intellectual demeanor. The background is marked by a simple, yet subtly textured wall, possibly indicating the setting of a study or office. On the table beside Hubbard rests a collection of books and a golden pitcher, enhancing the scholarly ambiance. The rich, dark tones juxtaposed with the subtle play of light epitomize the distinctive Impressionist approach to capturing the essence and mood of a scene rather than focusing on intricate detail.