Portrait de Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau 1894

Henri Gervex's "Portrait de Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau" (1894) is a striking example of realism in portraiture. The painting depicts Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau, a French politician, with meticulous detail and a sense of gravitas. Gervex, known for his ability to capture the likeness of his subjects, presents Waldeck-Rousseau in a somber, almost contemplative mood. The dark background and sharp contrasts draw attention to the subject’s piercing gaze and his distinguished features, including his prominent mustache and tightly closed lips. The painting likely served as a commissioned work, reflecting the prominence of portraiture as a means of celebrating individuals of societal importance in the late 19th century.