Conductor: study from life 1850 - 1900

"Conductor: study from life" is a graphite drawing by George Du Maurier, a prominent British illustrator and novelist, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This quick sketch, dating from the late 19th century, features a full-length figure of a man in a formal suit, likely a conductor. The subject's posture, with head slightly tilted upwards and hands resting at his sides, suggests a sense of authority and attentiveness. Du Maurier's style is characterized by precise lines and delicate shading, capturing the likeness and presence of the individual. The artwork's simplicity and immediacy showcase the artist's mastery of observation and his ability to translate a fleeting moment into a lasting image.