Portrait of William T. Walters 1883

This portrait of William T. Walters, painted in 1883 by Léon Bonnat, is a realistic depiction of a distinguished gentleman. Walters, an American art collector, is shown wearing a black coat and a bowtie, his hands clasped in front of him. The painting captures the sitter's stern countenance and the detailed texture of his white beard and hair. The muted colors and stark contrast between Walters' figure and the background create a sense of gravitas, highlighting the importance of the individual being portrayed. Bonnat was a prominent French portrait painter known for his naturalism and attention to detail. His skill as a realist painter is evident in this work, which emphasizes the likeness of Walters.