France, 19th century / 1880
Portrait of a Man
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of a Man as painting (France, 19th century · 1880).
The subject of this portrait is Albert Courtier, Gustave Caillebotte's notary as well as a lifelong family friend.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Gustave Caillebotte (French, 1848–1894).
The museum's collection notes: This portrait of Albert Courtier was painted in the fourth-floor apartment at 31 boulevard Hausmann in Paris that Gustave Caillebotte shared with his brother Martial. The interior and balcony of this apartment provided the setting for numerous paintings of men in Caillebotte’s social circle surveying the city. Courtier’s pose and unguarded gaze suggest a comfortable rapport with the artist. Their relationship was close: Courtier posed for Caillebotte on several occasions, owned four of the artist’s paintings, and designated his friend as godfather to his eldest daughter.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of a ManOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.