The artwork titled “The Amateurs (Paul Lafond and Alphonse Cherfils Examining a Painting)” was created by the artist Edgar Degas between approximately 1878 and 1880. This oil on panel painting is a fine example of the Impressionism movement, which is known for its vibrant depiction of light and color as well as its candid poses and compositions. The genre of the painting is portrait, and it is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, two well-dressed gentlemen are depicted in an intimate act of examining a painting. The man on the left is bent forward, closely scrutinizing the artwork, with his head down and one hand on his chin, indicating a thoughtful and analytical gaze. The other man, to the right, is in profile view and appears to be in a conversation with his peer or perhaps sharing an observation, as indicated by his open mouth and the gesture of his hand. Both men wear hats, further suggesting the fashion of the period.
The brushwork exhibited in the artwork is loose and expressive, typical of the Impressionist style, capturing the essence of the moment without stringent attention to fine detail. The background is rendered in soft tones which contrast with the more defined figures, drawing attention to the interaction between the two men and the painting they are examining. The use of light and shadow gives the painting a sense of depth and realism despite the characteristic Impressionist brushstrokes.
