#48012 Albert Bloch

The portrait presents a man depicted in a formal attire – a dark suit with a crisp white shirt and bow tie – against a warm, ochre-toned background. The figure is positioned centrally within the frame, facing directly toward the viewer. A palpable sense of immediacy arises from this direct gaze.
The artist’s handling of form deviates significantly from traditional representational techniques. Facial features are rendered with an exaggerated quality; the eyes appear disproportionately large and intensely focused, while the nose is elongated and somewhat angular. The ears are prominent, contributing to a feeling of vulnerability or exposure. These distortions do not aim for photographic realism but rather convey an emotional intensity.
The brushwork is loose and expressive, characterized by visible strokes that contribute to a textured surface. Color is applied in broad planes, with the brown tones of the suit echoing the background, creating a sense of unity while simultaneously emphasizing the figure’s presence. The white shirt provides a stark contrast, drawing attention to the mans chest and collar.
The overall impression suggests an exploration of psychological complexity rather than a straightforward depiction of physical appearance. There is a distinct feeling of unease or introspection conveyed through the subject’s expression and the artist’s unconventional rendering of form. The formal attire juxtaposed with the distorted features creates a tension between societal expectations and inner turmoil, hinting at a deeper narrative beyond the surface level. The date 1931 inscribed in the upper right corner provides a temporal context, placing the work within a period marked by significant social and political upheaval.