The Wandering Hermit
1888
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1888
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Wandering Hermit is a 1888 by Kōno Bairei, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This sketch shows an older man standing sideways, barefoot, with a loose robe and a bag slung over his shoulder. His hair is short and wild, and he holds a long staff in his right hand. The lines are quick and rough, with dark shadows and light patches showing his wrinkles and clothes. The sketch feels like a fast, loose drawing—almost like a quick note rather than a polished work. The bag he carries looks heavy, and his posture suggests he’s been walking a long time. If you like this style, check out Realism for more paintings that focus on everyday people and simple details.
Kōno Bairei (幸野 楳嶺; March 3, 1844 – February 20, 1895) was a Japanese painter, book illustrator, and art teacher.
See the richer artist page