Artwork
Head of an Old Man
Head of an Old Man is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2015.48
- Credit line
- Bequest of Muriel Butkin
About this work
Overview
Head of an Old Man is a drawing by French artist Paul Gavarni, dated to 1858, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts an elderly man with a rugged, weathered face and unkempt hair. His defensive posture, fur collar pulled up and hands clasped on his chest, conveys a sense of vulnerability or introspection, emphasizing the realities of aging.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, rapid lines, the sketch prioritizes expressive capture over fine detail, characteristic of the Realist movement's emphasis on truthful representation of everyday life and people.
History & Provenance
Created in 1858, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though specific details of its acquisition or previous ownership are not provided here.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier, a French illustrator, born in Paris.
