Created:
Movement:
1890
Realism
key Notes:
Realistic portraiture, Literary icon depiction
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Dimensions:
40 1/4 x 32 3/8 in. (102.2 x 82.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Mark Twain" is a portrait painting created by American artist Charles Noel Flagg in 1890. The work depicts the renowned author and humorist Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. Flagg was known for his portraiture and ability to capture the likeness and personality of his subjects. The painting reflects Twain's distinctive appearance, characterized by his white hair and mustache, as well as his contemplative expression. The exact circumstances of the commission or the relationship between Flagg and Twain are not well-documented. The painting is part of the collection at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut. Flagg's portrayal contributes to the visual legacy of Twain, who remains an iconic figure in American literature.

Description of the work:

"Mark Twain" by Charles Noel Flagg, created in 1890, is an oil on canvas portrait that captures the renowned American author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known as Mark Twain. The composition presents Twain in a three-quarter pose, emphasizing his distinctive features, including his white hair and mustache. Flagg employs a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones, which enhances the somber yet dignified mood of the portrait. The background is rendered in a soft, indistinct manner, allowing Twain's figure to stand out prominently. The artist's brushwork is precise, particularly in the detailing of Twain's facial expression, which conveys a sense of introspection. The overall effect of the painting is one of reverence, reflecting Twain's significant cultural impact during his lifetime.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Mark Twain