The artwork, titled “John D. Rockefeller,” was created by the esteemed artist John Singer Sargent in 1917. This oil on canvas work, falling under the Realism art movement, measures 147.3 x 114.3 cm. It is a portrait genre piece and is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, an elderly man, identified as John D. Rockefeller, is depicted seated on a chair. The subject is adorned in a dark, formal suit, exuding an aura of solemnity and dignity. His figure is illuminated against a rich, textured background of deep maroon, enhancing the contrast and drawing attention to his countenance. The seated posture, combined with the thoughtful and distant gaze directed upwards, suggests contemplation or introspection, elegantly captured through Sargent’s masterful brushwork and keen attention to detail. The fabric of the suit and the subtly textured seat are rendered with meticulous precision, highlighting Sargent’s exceptional ability to convey texture and form through his Realist approach.
