Old Man with a Basket of Fruit and Vegetables c. 18th century

Jacques André Portail's "Old Man with a Basket of Fruit and Vegetables" from the 18th century depicts a weathered old man seated with a staff and a basket of fruit and vegetables. His wrinkled face and long white beard give him a sense of age and wisdom. The drawing, made in the style of genre painting, is a classic depiction of a common man and his labors. The use of light and shadow adds depth and realism to the figure and the still life elements. The work, which currently resides in The Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Portail's mastery of drawing and composition, capturing the essence of everyday life in 18th-century France.