Gustav Adolf Reuterholm (1756-1813) Anders Eklund

The portrait presents a gentleman positioned centrally against a dark, undefined background. He is depicted from the chest upwards, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a measured and somewhat reserved expression. The lighting emphasizes his face and upper torso, creating a sense of depth and highlighting the textures of his attire.
Here we see a man in fashionable late 18th-century dress: an elaborate embroidered waistcoat layered beneath a draped blue coat, revealing delicate lace at the throat and cuffs. His hair is styled in the prevalent queue fashion, powdered white and arranged with careful curls. The overall impression suggests wealth and social standing.
The inclusion of objects on the table before him carries symbolic weight. A thick volume bound in red leather rests prominently, suggesting a scholarly or intellectual pursuit. Beside it lies a single rose, its delicate petals contrasting sharply with the formality of the book. This juxtaposition could allude to the fleeting nature of beauty and pleasure against the backdrop of knowledge and duty. The placement of his hand upon the book further reinforces this connection between intellect and personal attributes.
The artist’s use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic contrast between light and dark – contributes significantly to the portraits mood. The darkness enveloping the figure isolates him, drawing attention to his face and emphasizing a sense of introspection or perhaps even melancholy. This technique also lends an air of gravitas and importance to the subject.
The composition is carefully balanced, with the gentleman’s pose suggesting both confidence and restraint. His hand resting on the table creates a visual anchor, while his direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer that feels deliberate rather than confrontational. The painting appears intended not merely as a likeness but as an assertion of status and intellectual standing within a specific social context.