Head of an Old Man

Frank Duveneck, Head of an Old Man, ca. 1877-1879, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.6.44
Copied Frank Duveneck, Head of an Old Man, ca. 1877-1879, oil on canvas, 21 7⁄8 x 18 1⁄8 in. (55.5 x 46.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.6.44
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Head of an Old Man
Artist
Date
ca. 1877-1879
Location
Dimensions
21 7⁄8 x 18 1⁄8 in. (55.5 x 46.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of John Gellatly
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male — elderly — head
Object Number
1929.6.44
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1929.6.44

Artwork Description

This painting is a study rather than a fully realized portrait. Frank Duveneck focused his attention on the face, modeling with broad brushstrokes the way a sculptor might work in clay. The direct painting and hastily brushed background give the effect of being in the studio and watching Duveneck paint. This sketch was probably made while the artist was living in Munich in the late 1870s.