Artwork
Bildnis eines Herrn Hirzel in Paris
Bildnis eines Herrn Hirzel in Paris is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Hans Jakob Oeri. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
The overall effect is one of quiet dignity, with the subject's serious expression and formal attire creating a sense of gravity.
The painting is a portrait of a man, likely from the early 19th century. He is depicted wearing a dark jacket with a high collar, over a white shirt and a white cravat. The background is a plain, light-colored wall.
The man's face is serious, with a slight furrow between his eyebrows. His hair is dark and cut close to the head. He wears a medal on a ribbon around his neck, but the details are not clear.
The overall effect is one of quiet dignity, with the subject's serious expression and formal attire creating a sense of gravity. For more information on the artist behind this work, look up Hans Jakob Oeri.
Overview
Hans Jakob Oeri’s 1820 oil on canvas, *Bildnis eines Herrn Hirzel in Paris*, presents a solitary male sitter in a restrained, domestic setting. The work exemplifies the Biedermeier emphasis on personal dignity and careful observation, offering a quiet, introspective portrait that resides in the Kunsthaus Zürich’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is a gentleman dressed in a dark high‑collared coat, white shirt, and cravat, his expression solemn and slightly furrowed. A medal on a ribbon hangs at his throat, hinting at a civic or military honor. The plain, light‑colored wall behind him reinforces the focus on the individual’s character and status rather than narrative context.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, Oeri employs a smooth, detailed brushwork that captures the texture of fabric and the subtle modeling of the face. The palette is muted, with restrained contrasts that enhance the sitter’s dignified presence. The composition aligns with Biedermeier realism, favoring precise representation over dramatic chiaroscuro.
History & Provenance
Created in 1820 while Oeri was active in Zürich, the portrait reflects his reputation as a portraitist and history painter. The painting entered the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s representation of early‑19th‑century Swiss art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Jakob Oeri (16 December 1782, Kyburg - 24 February 1868, Zürich) was a Swiss portrait and history painter, draftsman and lithographer.
