Bust-Length Study of a Man 1848

François-Auguste Biard's "Bust-Length Study of a Man" (1848) is a striking oil on canvas portrait of a young black man. The subject's gaze is direct and intense, with a hint of sadness in his eyes. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic contrast between the man's dark skin and the light background, drawing the viewer's attention to his strong features. This piece is an important example of Biard's interest in depicting individuals from diverse cultures, challenging Eurocentric art traditions. The portrait is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.