The artwork titled “Portrait of Lorenzo Pagans, Spanish tenor, and Auguste Degas, the artist’s father” is a piece by Edgar Degas created circa 1871 – 1872. This oil on canvas painting, which measures 40 x 54.5 cm, is a notable example of the Impressionist movement. This genre of artwork is classified as a portrait, and it currently resides within the esteemed collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a compelling scene rendered with the delicate and nuanced touch characteristic of Impressionist paintings. Two figures occupy the composition, captured in a moment that suggests both intimacy and candidness. On the left stands Lorenzo Pagans, a Spanish tenor. He is depicted holding a guitar, his fingers placed upon the strings, and a subtle expression gracing his features which conveys a sense of focus or perhaps reverie. The man appears comfortably attired for a private performance or social gathering.
To the right sits another figure, Auguste Degas, the artist’s father, in a more subdued posture. He is portrayed as an observer, with one hand resting on his thigh and the other propping his chin, suggesting a moment of attentive listening or deep reflection. The close proximity and arrangement of these two subjects within the frame imply a shared moment of musical appreciation or a personal connection between them.
The background is understated, with neutral tones and the merest suggestion of a setting, allowing the observer to concentrate on the figures and their interaction. Degas’ use of light and shadow, along with his loose brushwork, provides a sense of depth and dimension to the figures, while also contributing to the overall impression of a spontaneous, fleeting moment caught in time.
