Artwork Page for Portrait of a Man

Details / Information for Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man

1880

Gustave Caillebotte

(French, 1848–1894)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Unframed: 81.3 x 65.6 cm (32 x 25 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2009.157
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
222 Impressionism & Post-Impressionism
Print
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Did You Know?

The subject of this portrait is Albert Courtier, Gustave Caillebotte's notary as well as a lifelong family friend.

Description

This portrait of Albert Courtier was painted in the fourth-floor apartment at 31 boulevard Hausmann in Paris that Gustave Caillebotte shared with his brother Martial. The interior and balcony of this apartment provided the setting for numerous paintings of men in Caillebotte’s social circle surveying the city. Courtier’s pose and unguarded gaze suggest a comfortable rapport with the artist. Their relationship was close: Courtier posed for Caillebotte on several occasions, owned four of the artist’s paintings, and designated his friend as godfather to his eldest daughter.
A vertically oriented oil painting in thick, layered brushstrokes depicts a man with light skin tone seated in profile in a red armchair, facing our left. He has short dark hair and a light brown mustache. He wears a black jacket, white vest, and blue necktie. Light filters through a white lace curtain, illuminating him against a muted background. Outside the window, an ornate dark green railing is visible.

Portrait of a Man

1880

Gustave Caillebotte

(French, 1848–1894)
France, 19th century

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