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The Choice of a Model

Eugene Andre Champollion

1874

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

The Choice of a Model is a 1874 ink by Eugene Andre Champollion, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Eugene Andre Champollion
When & what style?: 1874 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a group of men in fancy 19th-century clothes gathered in a lavish room. One man stands on a pedestal, while others watch closely—some leaning on canes, others pointing or chatting. The walls are packed with ornate carvings, statues, and heavy curtains, making the space feel crowded and rich. A dog lies near the stairs, and a servant kneels in the corner, almost hidden. The artist used shading to show light bouncing off the polished floors and fabrics, giving the scene a gritty, textured look. The men’s expressions and poses feel real, not stiff—like a snapshot of a moment rather than a posed portrait. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this carved their designs into metal plates.