Description
This drawing is one of several portraits that Eugène Carrière created of the naturalist writer and art critic Jean Ajalbert. Both were part of the same Symbolist artistic and literary circles in Paris during the late 19th century. Portraiture was a favorite genre for Carrière, who often portrayed his friends and colleagues. Here, Ajalbert looks forward directly, seemingly in contrast with his otherwise hazy visage and surroundings.
Provenance
(Manzi, Joyant & Cie, Paris, Carrière Atelier sale, Feb. 2-3, 1920, no. 168) (1920); Anson Conger Goodyear [1877-1964], Buffalo, New York (By 1923-1928); (Anderson Galleries, New York, Goodyear collection sale, Feb. 16, 1928, no. 14) (1928); (Shepherd Gallery, New York, sold to Muriel Butkin, Shaker Heights, OH) (?-1976); Muriel Butkin [1916-2008], Shaker Heights, OH, by bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1976-2009); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (2009-)
Accession Number
2009.116
Medium
charcoal with white chalk
Dimensions
Sheet: 27.4 x 23.7 cm (10 13/16 x 9 5/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin