Who painted Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser?

Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser was painted by Aleksander Lesser in 1850.

Where can I see Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser?

Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser?

Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser is associated with Realism.

Artwork

Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser

Aleksander Lesser , 1850

Portrait of the artist’s father, Levy Lesser is an oil painting by the Realist artist Aleksander Lesser. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1850 by Polish artist Aleksander Lesser, this oil-on-canvas work portrays the painter’s father, Levy Lesser. The portrait is part of the National Museum in Warsaw’s collection and exemplifies Lesser’s interest in contemporary, realist subjects.

Subject & Meaning

Levy Lesser is shown seated at a desk, dressed in a dark coat and bow tie, glasses perched on his nose, and holding a small sheet of paper. The composition emphasizes his calm concentration, suggesting a scholarly or professional demeanor.

Technique & Style

Lesser employs a restrained palette, lighting the sitter’s face with soft illumination while keeping the surrounding space in shadow. This contrast draws the viewer’s eye to the figure, a hallmark of mid‑nineteenth‑century Realist portraiture.

Context

The painting reflects Lesser’s broader engagement with modern Jewish life and Polish society. As a co‑founder of Warsaw’s Zachęta Society, he was active in promoting contemporary art, and this intimate family portrait aligns with his realist approach to everyday subjects.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained in Poland, ultimately entering the National Museum in Warsaw, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of 19th‑century Polish art.