The artwork titled “Peter A. B. Widener” is a portrait created by the artist John Singer Sargent in 1902. Executed using oil on canvas, the piece belongs to the Realism art movement and measures 148.9 x 98.4 cm. It is distinguished as a portrait genre.
The artwork depicts an elderly gentleman, the subject identified as Peter A. B. Widener, standing with a reserved yet commanding presence. The figure is rendered in a dark, formal suit, exuding an air of dignified authority. The background is predominantly dark, emphasizing the subject’s features and attire through subtle contrasts and masterful use of light. The man’s face, lit from the left, reveals a contemplative expression with a slightly furrowed brow and a full mustache. His left hand rests lightly on a surface, possibly a bannister or piece of furniture, adding to the poised and reflective mood of the composition. The painting’s somber tones and meticulous detail align with the conventions of Realism, highlighting Sargent’s skill in capturing the essence and status of his subject.