“Coventry Patmore,” created by John Singer Sargent in 1894, is an oil painting on canvas that falls within the Realism art movement. The artwork measures 91.5 x 61 cm and depicts a portrait genre. It is currently housed in the National Portrait Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork presents a refined, elderly gentleman, Coventry Patmore, characterized by a dignified posture and a tranquil yet thoughtful expression. The sitter is attired in formal evening wear, including a dark coat and a cream-colored waistcoat, accentuated by a neatly tied black bow tie. Sargent’s mastery is evident in the precise, realistic rendering of the textures of the fabric and the flesh tones of the sitter’s face, capturing not only the physical likeness but also the essence of Patmore’s character. The background is dim, drawing the viewer’s focus entirely on the poised and elegantly dressed subject. This painting is particularly exemplary of Sargent’s skill in portraiture, combining a clear, realist technique with an insightful psychological depth.
