Artwork
Vanity Fair: "The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table"

Vanity Fair: "The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table" is a print by the Impressionist artist Leslie Matthew (Spy) Ward. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2014.263
- Credit line
- Bequest of John Bonebrake
About this work
Overview
This 1886 print by Leslie Matthew Ward, titled 'Vanity Fair: The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table', is a portrait housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Depicting a man in profile, the work exudes simplicity and elegance.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, an unidentified man with short, light hair and a bushy mustache, is shown standing with hands behind his back, facing right. His attire consists of a long coat and suit, suggesting a formal or professional persona.
Technique & Style
Ward employed a restrained color palette against a light beige background, fostering an atmosphere of calm and serenity. The overall composition emphasizes clarity and understated refinement.
History & Provenance
Created in 1886, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though the subject's identity remains unknown.
Artist & collection














