Portrait of an old man (Berthold Schwarz?)

Scheffer employs chiaroscuro to model the man's features, allowing light to illuminate the textured beard and folds of the garment against a nearly black background. The careful rendering of wrinkles and subtle tonal shifts exemplifies the Romantic interest in emotional depth and the physical reality of the human form.

The portrait entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings in the early 20th century, though its precise acquisition record is sparse. It has remained in the museum’s permanent collection, where it is displayed as an example of Scheffer’s later portraiture.

During the mid‑19th century Scheffer enjoyed patronage from high‑ranking individuals, including King Louis‑Philippe I, and produced numerous portraits of notable figures. This work reflects his continued focus on individual character, aligning with the broader Romantic emphasis on personal feeling and the inner psyche.