Portrait of an Old Man

Alphonse Legros

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows a close-up of an older man's face with part of his shoulders visible. He is positioned in a three-quarter view, slightly turned to his left, his eyes looking up. The man has pale skin and a full, bushy gray beard and thick, gray hair combed back. His facial features include deep-set eyes, ruddy cheeks, a long nose, and thin lips mostly obscured by his facial hair. His skin has been painted with visible, thick brushstrokes, creating swirling lines. His clothing appears dark and blends into the dark gray background. There is a hint of gray at the bottom, suggesting a gray shirt or tie under a black jacket.