#21324 Lovis Corinth (1858-1925)

The portrait presents a mans bust, rendered in a loose and expressive style. The artist employed visible brushstrokes, creating a textured surface that emphasizes the materiality of the paint itself. A warm palette dominates – ochres, yellows, browns, and reds – though cooler tones are present in the shadows around the eyes and mouth.
The man’s face is centrally positioned, his gaze directed toward the viewer with an intensity that suggests both scrutiny and a certain weariness. The features are not precisely delineated; instead, they emerge from the swirling paint application, contributing to a sense of immediacy and psychological depth. A slight asymmetry in the facial structure adds to this impression of raw observation rather than idealized representation.
The man is dressed formally, with a white shirt visible beneath a red tie or cravat. The fabric’s folds are suggested through broad strokes of color, avoiding detailed rendering. This simplification extends to the background, which appears as an indistinct wash of warm tones, effectively isolating the figure and focusing attention on his countenance.
Subtleties in the painting suggest a complex inner life. The slight downturn of the mouth hints at melancholy or introspection. The eyes, though direct, possess a quality that is difficult to interpret – a mixture of intelligence, perhaps resignation, and an underlying vulnerability. Theres a sense of someone who has experienced much, and whose expression reflects a quiet burden.
The signature in the upper right corner, rendered with similar expressive brushwork, reinforces the impression of a spontaneous and intimate portrayal. The overall effect is one of psychological realism – a portrait that seeks to capture not merely outward appearance but also an essence of character.