Artwork
Portrait Albert Cresswell
Portrait Albert Cresswell is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Félix Vallotton. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Félix Vallotton’s 1894 oil portrait presents Albert Cresswell, a gentleman rendered in a restrained palette. The figure is seated before a flat yellow backdrop, his dark hair and black jacket contrasting with a crisp white shirt. The composition is anchored by the subject’s leftward gaze and a solemn expression, giving the work a measured, introspective tone.
Subject & Meaning
Cresswell is portrayed with a serious demeanor, his eyes fixed toward the left side of the canvas, suggesting contemplation or engagement with an unseen presence. The limited color scheme and muted lighting focus attention on his facial features and attire, emphasizing the individual’s character rather than narrative detail.
Technique & Style
Vallotton employs visible brushwork, especially across the face and clothing, allowing texture to emerge within the smooth oil medium. The handling of paint balances precise rendering of the figure with broader, flat areas of color in the background, reflecting the artist’s interest in combining realism with decorative flatness.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1894, the portrait has been part of the collection at the Kunsthaus Zürich. The museum’s acquisition places the work within a broader context of late‑19th‑century European portraiture, illustrating Vallotton’s role in the Swiss art scene of that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Félix Édouard Vallotton (French: ; December 28, 1865 – December 29, 1925) was a Swiss and French painter and printmaker associated with the group of artists known as Les Nabis.
