Portrait of Edmond de Goncourt 1875

Marcellin Desboutin's 1875 etching, "Portrait of Edmond de Goncourt," is a striking example of realist portraiture. The close-up composition, featuring only Edmond de Goncourt's head and shoulders, creates a sense of intimacy, drawing the viewer into the sitter's world. The artist's masterful use of light and shadow, creating depth and texture, highlights Edmond's piercing gaze and the subtle details of his features. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this etching is a testament to Desboutin's skill as a printmaker, capturing the essence of his subject with remarkable clarity.