Toussaint Lemaistre (1807/8–1888)

Corot's 1833 portrait of Toussaint Lemaistre is an uncommon example of the artist's work in portraiture, a genre he practiced throughout his career but rarely exhibited. Most of Corot's portraits were of friends and family, painted with the same quiet observation he brought to landscape, and this example at the Metropolitan Museum shows his understated approach to characterization. Three Italian journeys provided the classical foundation for his work; later he developed the atmospheric 'souvenirs' that inspired the Impressionists. Extremely generous to younger artists, he left most of his estate to the poor.

The sitter is rendered with Corot's characteristic restraint, muted tones and soft modeling creating a contemplative presence that avoids the theatrical lighting and dramatic poses of conventional portraiture.