Artwork

Portretul lui C. Stahi

Portretul lui C. Stahi, by Bardasare P. Emanoil, unspecified, 1892
Portretul lui C. Stahi, by Bardasare P. Emanoil, unspecified, 1892

Portretul lui C. Stahi is an unspecified painting by Bardasare P. Emanoil. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Moldova National Museum Complex. Created around 1892, this oil portrait by Bardasare P.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1892, this oil portrait by Bardasare P. Emanoil depicts the Romanian photographer C. Stahi. The composition presents a bearded man in a dark coat and white shirt, gazing straight at the viewer. The work is signed by the artist in the lower right corner, confirming its authorship.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s solemn expression and direct eye contact convey a sense of determination, reflecting the professional confidence of Stahi, a prominent figure in early Romanian photography. The portrait’s restrained demeanor emphasizes the individual’s intellectual presence rather than personal narrative.

Technique & Style

Emanoil employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, juxtaposing illuminated facial features against a shadowed background. Visible brushwork adds texture to the coat and skin, while the limited palette of dark tones and a stark white shirt heightens the three‑dimensional effect.

History & Provenance

The painting was produced in the late 19th century, likely within the artist’s studio in Bucharest. It has remained associated with Stahi’s family collection, providing a visual counterpart to his photographic legacy.

Artist & collection

Artist

Bardasare P. Emanoil

Bardasare P. Emanoil painted rural scenes and portraits in late 19th-century Romania. His brush traced village life in works like Burdujenii cu Suceava și Munții Bucovinei and Hora de la Țuțora, while his etchings…