Assan, a Young Man
ca. 1855–56
Medium
Graphite
Dimensions
10 1/2 × 6 3/8 in. (26.6 × 16.2 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Kenneth Jay Lane, 2013
Accession Number
2018.208.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
Jean-Léon Gérôme’s graphite drawing *Assan, a Young Man* (ca. 1855–56) captures a sensitive, lifelike portrait of its subject in just a few economical strokes. Created early in the French artist’s career, the sheet reflects the precise draftsmanship that would become a hallmark of his academic style. Gérôme, later celebrated for grand historical and Orientalist paintings, used drawings like this to study light, form, and expression with remarkable clarity. Measuring roughly 10½ by 6⅜ inches, the work belongs to the Metropolitan Museum’s collection of drawings and prints. Its medium—graphite—a...
About the Artist
Jean-Léon Gérôme
Gérôme's father, a goldsmith from Vesoul, discouraged his son from studying to become a painter but agreed, reluctantly, to allow him a trial period in the studio of Paul Delaroche in Paris. He traveled and studied in Italy, elsewhere in Europe, and in Asia Minor. The subjects that he enjoyed most were scenes of nature and animals. He is best known for mythological and Comment on works: history pa...