Portrait of the painter Hans Christoph Pol Cassel (1892?1945)

The composition presents a young man seated at a table, rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a somewhat unconventional color palette. He is positioned centrally within the frame, facing directly toward the viewer with a gaze that appears both intense and slightly melancholic. The background is an ambiguous space of warm yellows and browns, applied with loose strokes that suggest depth without offering precise detail.
The subject’s attire consists of a light-colored shirt tied at the neck, which contributes to a sense of informality or perhaps even vulnerability. A paintbrush rests against his shoulder, leaning on the chair behind him, indicating his profession as an artist. The table is covered with a white cloth, upon which a single flower is placed – a detail that introduces a touch of fragility and natural beauty into the otherwise somber atmosphere.
The application of paint is notably vigorous; visible brushstrokes define form and texture throughout the work. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and emotional rawness to the portrayal. The color choices, while not entirely realistic, contribute to an overall mood of introspection. The skin tones are rendered with subtle variations in hue, suggesting both fatigue and a certain inner complexity.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a young artist at work, the painting seems to explore themes of self-reflection and perhaps even isolation. The direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, yet it also conveys a sense of guardedness or reserve. The single flower on the table might symbolize fleeting beauty or a quiet appreciation for lifes simple pleasures amidst an otherwise challenging existence. The overall effect is one of psychological depth, inviting contemplation about the subject’s inner world and the burdens – or joys – of artistic creation.