Old Man with a White Turban

"Old Man with a White Turban", an 1891 oil painting housed right here in the Harvard Art Museums, offers a captivating glimpse into the visage of an elderly gentleman. Painted on canvas and measuring 0.505 meters wide by 0.59 meters tall, the artwork draws the viewer's eye to the subject's long, white beard and the prominent white turban adorning his head. He is dressed in a simple yet dignified manner, with a brown coat layered over a white garment. Notice how the artist has captured a sense of quiet contemplation in the man's downward gaze and the subtle turn of his head. The neutral brown background further emphasizes the man's presence, while the warm, earthy tones used throughout the painting create a sense of serenity and timelessness.