Father Mélac, from ''The two friends'' 1876

"Father Mélac, from 'The Two Friends'" is a lithograph by Émile Bayard, created in 1876. The artwork depicts a man in a detailed, 18th-century costume sitting in a chair. His posture is relaxed, and he appears lost in thought. The work is a fine example of illustrative art and historical portraiture, conveying the fashion and style of the era through its depiction of Father Mélac, a character from the novel "The Two Friends" by Alexandre Dumas. Bayard, known for his historical illustrations, utilized the lithograph technique to capture intricate details of clothing and facial features. The artwork provides a glimpse into the visual culture and dress of the late 18th century.