Mefisto (Konsul Dahlander) Anders Zorn (1860-1920)

The watercolor presents a portrait of a man in theatrical costume. He is depicted from the chest upwards, facing directly toward the viewer with an intense gaze. The artist employed a limited palette dominated by shades of red, blue, and white, creating a dramatic effect.
A prominent feature is the elaborate headwear – a tall, feathered cap rendered in vibrant reds and oranges. It draws immediate attention and suggests a character of high status or theatrical significance. The man’s face is characterized by a strong jawline, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a full beard streaked with grey, lending him an air of authority and perhaps age. His expression is complex; it conveys both alertness and a hint of cynicism, as if he is assessing the viewer with shrewd calculation.
The background is loosely painted in blues and blacks, providing a stark contrast to the man’s fiery attire and highlighting his presence. The brushstrokes are visible and energetic, contributing to a sense of immediacy and dynamism. Theres an impression of movement within the composition; the feathered headwear seems to sway slightly, while the loose application of paint suggests a fleeting moment captured on canvas.
Subtleties in the rendering suggest a character who is both powerful and potentially dangerous. The intense stare, combined with the theatrical costume, implies a role that demands attention and perhaps manipulates those around him. The use of red, often associated with passion, danger, or even demonic forces, reinforces this impression. The overall effect is one of controlled intensity – a figure poised between charisma and menace. The painting’s style hints at a narrative context; it feels like a character study rather than a straightforward portrait, suggesting the subject is part of a larger story or performance.