Alphonse Karr

c. 1875

Marcellin-Gilbert Desboutin

Associated Names
Marcellin-Gilbert Desboutin

Artist, French, 1823 - 1902

This is an etching of a bust-length portrait showing a man from just below his shoulders upwards. The man is turned at a three-quarter angle, facing to the viewer's left. He has a beard that is full yet neatly groomed, with mustaches that blend into the beard. His hair is closely cropped and receding slightly on top. The man's nose is prominent. He has a thoughtful expression, with eyes appearing to look toward the horizon. He is clothed in what appears to be a formal garment, possibly a coat with a high collar, with visible buttons along the front. The etching is rendered using finely sketched lines that give texture to the clothing and facial features. The background is plain, with no distinct features, focusing all attention on the depicted figure. There are no visible objects or jewelry worn by the man.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Frank Anderson Trapp

  • Dimensions

    plate: 11.6 x 8 cm (4 9/16 x 3 1/8 in.)
    sheet: 28.5 x 19.8 cm (11 1/4 x 7 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2003.118.15

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Clement-Janin 1922: no. 143


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Frank Anderson Trapp [1922-2005], Amherst, MA; gift to NGA, 2003.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1922

  • Clement-Janin, ----. La curieuse vie de Marcellin Desboutin, peintre, graveur, poete. Paris: H. Floury, 1922: no. 143

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: MD; lower center in plate: Imp. Vve Cadart, Paris; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: Marcellin Desboutin Alphonse Karr, Drypoint, Proof before lettering

Wikidata ID

Q75430018

You may be interested in

Loading Results