Study of Alphonse Daudet c. 1893

Eugene Carriere made this sketch of Alphonse Daudet using graphite on paper. It shows the French novelist, caught in a moment of repose. Carriere was a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene of the late 19th century. He was particularly known for his intimate portraits of writers and artists. This drawing is likely a study for a larger portrait, allowing us a glimpse into the artistic process and the networks of cultural figures in France at the time. The loose, gestural lines convey a sense of immediacy, as if Carriere were trying to capture Daudet’s essence. The sketch provides an interesting contrast to the more formal portraits that were typical of the period, reflecting a shift towards greater naturalism. To understand this work more fully, one might consult exhibition catalogs, artists' biographies, or publications of letters to get a sense of the relationship between the artist and his sitter, as well as the artistic and social milieu in which they operated.