Principele Domnitor Carol I
1873
unspecified
From the collection of National Museum of Art of Romania
1873
unspecified
From the collection of National Museum of Art of Romania
This portrait shows a man with a thick beard and mustache, dressed in a dark military uniform. His collar is red, and his chest is covered in medals and pins—some gold, some red and white. The background is a plain, soft greenish color, keeping all focus on his face and shoulders. The artist used smooth brushstrokes to blend the light and shadow on his face, giving it a soft look. The medals suggest he held a high rank, but the painting itself feels calm, not stiff. If you like this style, check out Realism next—it’s all about painting people and scenes exactly as they appear.