Portrait of J. B. Isabey 1858

The "Portrait of J. B. Isabey," created by Paul Gavarni in 1858, depicts Jean-Baptiste Isabey, a prominent French portrait painter and miniaturist, in a realistic style. Isabey stands confidently in a landscape setting, his age and experience evident in his features. Gavarni captures the sitter’s personality through the subtle details of his attire and posture. The black and white tones of the lithograph contribute to the portrait’s somber and elegant feel, reminiscent of 19th-century portraiture. The work is a testament to the close-up style and sharp observation for which Gavarni, a leading figure in French caricature and illustration, was known.