Old age is the decline of life, a time of reflection and summing up. The human body is changing, serving its owners no longer as well as in youth. And the diseases accumulated throughout life make themselves felt.
But this artist, unlike most of his colleagues who give preference to the charms of youth and the beauty of maturity, was able to show that old age can also be soulful, cozy, and touching.
Australian painter Carl Kronberger (1841-1921) created many wonderful genre paintings. But it was his portraits of older men and women – noble, confident, full of self-esteem – that brought him fame.
It is noteworthy that Kronberger’s portraits were small, only 19 by 14 cm. But even this modest size was enough for the artist to capture the essence of the final stage of life. Looking at the calm smiles and network of wrinkles of the characters, I want to believe that old age will really be like this.