Reading of the Office of the Day (La lecture de l'office)

Alphonse Legros

National Gallery of Art

The image shows an elderly man in a side profile view. He is seated or standing, leaning slightly forward. He has a pronounced forehead, a prominent bald head, short white or grey hair, distinct nose, and frown lines. The man is reading a large, open book, holding it with one hand while the other hand is raised slightly. He wears a robe with a dark collar and a square decoration hanging from his neck. A gold ring is on his left third finger. The background features a plain wall with a small-paned window letting in light.