Old Man with a White Beard

John Singer Sargent

Created:
Movement:
1904
Realism
key Notes:
Intimate Portraiture, Luminous Brushwork
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Dimensions:
30 x 25 1/4 in. (76.2 x 64.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Old Man with a White Beard," painted by John Singer Sargent in 1903, depicts an elderly man with a striking white beard, showcasing Sargent's mastery of portraiture and his ability to capture the nuances of character and light. The work is notable for its psychological depth and has been recognized for its contribution to the genre of portrait painting, reflecting Sargent's interest in the interplay between subject and environment.

Description of the work:

"Old Man with a White Beard," painted by John Singer Sargent in 1903, features a close-up portrait of an elderly man characterized by his flowing white beard and deep-set eyes, which convey a sense of wisdom and experience. The composition employs a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones, with soft brushwork that enhances the texture of the subject's skin and beard, while the background remains indistinct, drawing the viewer's focus to the figure's expressive features.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Old Man with a White Beard