Title
Portrait of an Old Man, Breton PeasantDatec.1880
MediumEtching
Dimensions
Plate: 20.3 x 15.2 cm
Sheet: 32.5 x 21.3 cm
Signedupper right (scratched in plate): M.L. Menpes
Credit LinePresented, Brian Lalor Print Collection, 2014
Object numberNGI.2014.74
DescriptionMenpes travelled extensively worldwide in search of inspiration. In France, he became interested in the Breton people. In his book, 'World Pictures', Menpes wrote, "The Breton peasant is full of dirt and dignity. He lives on coarse food, lodges with pigs, and rarely changes his clothes; yet nowhere will you meet with such dignity, charm of manner, and almost nobility of feature, as among the peasantry of Brittany."