Carl Michael Bellman (1740-1795) * Per Krafft the Elder (1724-1793)

The portrait presents a man engaged with a stringed instrument, likely a cittern or similar plucked lute-like device. He is positioned centrally within the composition, filling most of the frame and commanding immediate attention. The background is dark and undifferentiated, serving to isolate the figure and emphasize his presence.
Here we see a gentleman in attire characteristic of the mid-to-late eighteenth century. A vibrant red waistcoat contrasts sharply with the white linen shirt and frilled cravat. His hair is styled in a fashionable queue, powdered and curled at the sides. The artist has rendered the skin tones with careful attention to light and shadow, suggesting a degree of realism while maintaining an overall formal quality.
The man’s gaze is directed slightly off-center, conveying a sense of introspection or perhaps engagement with an unseen audience. His fingers are positioned on the instruments neck, indicating that he is actively playing or about to play. The details of the instrument itself – the tuning pegs, the sound holes – are rendered with precision, highlighting its importance within the scene.
Subtleties in the painting suggest a cultivated persona. The meticulous grooming and elegant clothing point towards a man of means and social standing. The act of playing music implies refinement, leisure, and artistic sensibility. There is an air of studied nonchalance about his posture and expression; he appears comfortable and confident within his role as both musician and subject.
The limited color palette – primarily reds, whites, and dark browns – contributes to a sense of formality and restraint. The lighting is soft and diffused, creating a flattering effect on the sitter’s face while avoiding harsh contrasts. Overall, the portrait conveys an impression of a man who values both artistic expression and social decorum.