The Caricature of Mario Uchard is an early graphite drawing executed by Claude Monet (French, 1840–1926) between 1857 and 1860. Rendered using graphite on tan wove paper, this work demonstrates Monet’s skill with portraiture and rapid sketching techniques long before he rose to prominence as a leader of the Impressionist movement.
Historically, this drawing provides fascinating context regarding artistic circulation and influence, as Monet created this particular piece after an original artwork by the contemporary French artist and photographer Etienne Carjat (French, 1828–1906). This practice of copying and reproducing popular images was common during the mid-19th century, particularly within the Parisian artistic circles where both Carjat and the young Monet operated. The subject, Mario Uchard, was likely a recognizable literary or theatrical figure of the era, whose expressive depiction embodies the popular trend of humorous literary and artistic caricature prevalent across France.
This compelling early work is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offering scholars and enthusiasts a glimpse into the foundational drawing skills Monet developed in his formative years. While Monet is renowned for his oil canvases, this piece underscores the critical role drawing played in the education of nineteenth-century French artists. Due to its age and historical classification, high-resolution digital images and prints of this work are often found available through public domain collections.
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