Who painted Émile Forgues (Old Nick)?

Émile Forgues (Old Nick) was painted by Paul Gavarni in 1838.

Where can I see Émile Forgues (Old Nick)?

Émile Forgues (Old Nick) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Émile Forgues (Old Nick)?

Émile Forgues (Old Nick) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Émile Forgues (Old Nick)

Paul Gavarni , 1838

Émile Forgues (Old Nick) is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2009.582
Credit line: Gift of John Bonebrake

About this work

Overview

Paul Gavarni's circa 1838 drawing, Émile Forgues (Old Nick), depicts a figure in a state of repose at a cluttered workspace. The piece is executed entirely in pencil with loose, expressive lines, conveying a sense of spontaneity.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by the nickname 'Old Nick,' appears to be a scholar or artist overwhelmed by their work, as suggested by the disarray of books and papers. The figure's slumped posture, with head resting on their arm and legs dangling from a small chair, implies either profound exhaustion or intense concentration. A dog lying nearby adds a sense of companionship to the scene.

Technique & Style

The drawing's loose, sketchy pencil lines evoke a rapid, possibly observational, drawing style. This technique contributes to the overall impression of immediacy and informality, capturing a private moment.

History & Provenance

Created around 1838, Émile Forgues (Old Nick) is currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. Specific details about its creation context or earlier ownership are not provided.

Context

While the work's direct connection to broader art movements like Romanticism is not explicitly stated, the emphasis on capturing a personal, emotional state (exhaustion or deep focus) aligns with Romantic-era interests in mood and individual experience.

Legacy

The legacy of Émile Forgues (Old Nick) is not detailed in the provided information, leaving its impact on subsequent artists or its place within Gavarni's oeuvre unspecified.