The artwork, “Portrait of John William Mackay,” created by Alexandre Cabanel in 1878, is an exquisite example of Academicism. This oil painting on canvas, measuring 85.1 x 129.5 cm, is a portrait genre piece located in a private collection.
The portrait depicts a distinguished gentleman, John William Mackay, seated with poise and dignity. The subject is adorned in formal attire, with a dark suit and white shirt, reflecting the fashion of the era. His stern expression and direct gaze suggest a character of authority and contemplation. The meticulous detail of his facial features, particularly the mustache and eyebrows, exhibits Cabanel’s skill in rendering lifelike textures. The subdued background and the soft illumination enhance the subject’s prominence, emphasizing his composed demeanor. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of realism and idealism, characteristic of the Academicism movement.
