Portrait of Zorn s friend the German-born industrialists Franz Heiss Anders Zorn (1860-1920)

The portrait presents a man seated in what appears to be a domestic interior. He is positioned slightly off-center, gazing directly at the viewer with a serious, almost challenging expression. The artist has rendered him in a three-quarter pose, allowing for a clear depiction of his upper body and face.
His attire suggests a position of some social standing: a dark double-breasted suit, crisp white shirt, and neatly tied tie contribute to an impression of formality and prosperity. A thick, well-groomed mustache dominates the lower portion of his face, adding to his assertive presence. The hair is short and styled with careful attention.
The man holds what seems to be a bound volume or document in his hands, partially obscuring the foreground. Its green cover provides a small splash of color against the predominantly dark palette of the composition. His fingers are rendered with considerable detail, highlighting the artist’s skill in capturing texture and form.
Behind him, a section of wall is visible, featuring what looks like a wooden door or paneling. The background is deliberately muted, lacking detailed ornamentation, which serves to focus attention entirely on the subject. A signature appears discreetly in the upper right corner.
The subdued lighting contributes to an atmosphere of quiet introspection and seriousness. Theres a sense of restrained power conveyed through his posture and gaze. The overall effect suggests not merely a likeness but also a character study – an attempt by the artist to convey something about the man’s personality and social role. The choice of dark colors, combined with the directness of his stare, might imply a certain gravitas or even a hint of guardedness.