Feuerbach, Anselm. Self-portrait Hermitage ~ part 12

The portrait presents a man in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer. He is positioned against a backdrop of intense, swirling color – primarily shades of red and brown – that seems to both envelop and recede from him. The figures gaze is directed away from the observer, suggesting introspection or perhaps a focus on something beyond the immediate visual field.
The man’s attire consists of a dark shirt collar and a voluminous, muted-tone overcoat or cloak that drapes heavily around his shoulders and chest. This garment contributes to an impression of both intellectual seriousness and a certain degree of melancholy. The texture of the fabric is rendered with visible brushstrokes, adding depth and visual interest.
His hair is dark, thick, and somewhat disheveled, framing a face characterized by a thoughtful expression. A neatly trimmed mustache adds a touch of formality to his appearance. The lighting emphasizes the planes of his face, creating subtle shadows that enhance its sculptural quality.
The background’s agitated brushwork contrasts sharply with the relative stillness of the figures pose and facial features. This juxtaposition could be interpreted as representing an internal conflict or a tension between the individual and the external world. The warm tones of the backdrop evoke feelings of passion, intensity, and perhaps even turmoil, while the man’s posture suggests a quiet contemplation amidst this emotional landscape.
The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and intellectual depth. It conveys not merely a likeness but an attempt to capture something of the sitters inner life – a sense of profound thought and a certain distance from the viewer. The composition, with its emphasis on profile view and introspective gaze, reinforces this impression of a man engaged in private reflection.