The artwork, titled “Man of the day No.20° – Caricature of Le Viscomte De Lesseps,” is a creation by James Tissot, dating from 1870 to 1871. This piece is part of the Realism art movement and falls under the genre of caricature. It belongs to the “Man of the day (Caricatures)” series.
In the artwork, a man with white hair and a mustache stands confidently, dressed in formal attire befitting the late 19th century—a dark suit with a waistcoat and bow tie. Draped over his shoulders is a light-colored cloak with decorative patterns, adding a layer of distinguished appearance to his character. His left hand extends outward in a gesture that implies welcome or presentation. Held firmly in his right hand is a shovel, hinting at a possible connection to construction or labor. The background is minimal and subdued, ensuring the focus remains on the subject. The clever exaggeration of his physical features and the subtle details in his attire are typical elements of a caricature, providing both a respectful and humorous portrayal of Le Viscomte De Lesseps.