Artwork
The Confidence Man
The Confidence Man is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Guy Pène du Bois. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Confidence Man is an oil painting created by Guy Pène du Bois in 1919, currently held at the Brooklyn Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a tense scene between a bald man in formal attire and a dark-haired woman in a black dress. The man's red face and serious expression contrast with the woman's calming posture, suggesting a moment of conflict or negotiation.
Technique & Style
The artist used a solid green background to focus attention on the figures, rendered in oil paint with attention to their clothing and postures. The woman's face is obscured, adding to the enigmatic nature of the scene.
Artist & collection
Artist
Guy Pène du Bois was a 20th-century American painter, art critic, and educator. Born in the U.S. to a French family, his work depicted the culture and society around him: cafes, theatres, and in the twenties, flappers.
