Portrait of a Man 1866

"Portrait of a Man" (1866), by Edgar Degas, portrays a man seated in an armchair, with his hands clasped in his lap. This oil painting was created during a period when Degas was known for his realistic, almost photographic approach. The subject, likely a contemporary of the artist, is captured in a quiet and contemplative pose, evoking the style of a traditional portrait, yet with a loose and spontaneous brushstroke that reflects the Impressionist movement Degas was associated with. The composition is focused on the figure, with a muted background providing a sense of depth and intimacy. The painting is currently housed at the Brooklyn Museum, New York City.