#31139 Henri Julien Felix Rousseau (1844-1910)

The painting presents a close-up portrait of a man, rendered in a style characterized by exaggerated features and a somewhat caricatured aesthetic. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, his gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression that appears both knowing and slightly unsettling. His skin tone is depicted using a palette dominated by pinks and reds, contributing to a sense of heightened emotional intensity.
The man’s hair is dark and neatly styled, receding from the forehead to emphasize the prominence of his brow. A thick, meticulously groomed mustache dominates the lower portion of his face, drawing attention to his mouth, which is subtly upturned in what could be interpreted as a smirk or a wry smile. He wears formal attire – a black jacket with a white shirt and bow tie – suggesting a position of some social standing or professional importance.
To the right of the man’s head, partially obscured by the frame, stands an oil lamp. The light emanating from it casts a warm glow on his face, highlighting certain features while simultaneously creating areas of shadow that add depth and complexity to the composition. The presence of the lamp introduces a symbolic layer; it could represent enlightenment, knowledge, or perhaps even surveillance – a watchful gaze illuminating hidden aspects of the subject’s character.
The artists use of bold lines and simplified forms contributes to a sense of immediacy and directness. There is an intentional lack of subtlety in the rendering of facial features, which lends the portrait a quality that borders on satire. The overall effect is one of psychological scrutiny – a deliberate attempt to capture not just the physical likeness of the man but also something about his personality or inner state. The painting invites speculation regarding the subject’s identity and the circumstances surrounding its creation, leaving room for multiple interpretations.