The artwork, titled “Study for Androcles,” was created by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1886. This piece is associated with the Realism art movement and represents the genre of sketches and studies.
In the artwork, an elderly, bearded man is depicted seated on a stool, gazing upwards. His body is rendered with striking realism, capturing the play of light and shadow on his muscular frame. The artist’s skillful use of tones and textures emphasizes the character’s age and strength, accentuating his expressive profile and serene demeanor. This study not only showcases Tanner’s mastery in anatomical accuracy but also conveys a profound sense of contemplation and introspection. The dark, blurred background further highlights the subject, drawing the viewer’s attention to the finely detailed figure of the man.