Artwork

Portrait of Pál Szinyei Merse

Portrait of Pál Szinyei Merse, by Wilhelm Leibl, oil, 1869
Portrait of Pál Szinyei Merse, by Wilhelm Leibl, oil, 1869

Portrait of Pál Szinyei Merse is an oil painting by the Realist artist Wilhelm Leibl. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Pál Szinyei Merse is a painting executed in oil paint by Wilhelm Leibl in 1869. It is a representative work of the realism movement and is currently housed in the Hungarian National Gallery.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Pál Szinyei Merse seated in a chair, dressed in formal attire, holding a cane. His serious expression is accentuated by the somber mood created by the predominantly dark background and palette of browns and blacks.

Technique & Style

Leibl's use of oil paint and realist style results in a detailed and somber representation of the subject. The dark background serves to emphasize the figure of Szinyei Merse.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wilhelm Leibl

Artist

Wilhelm Leibl

Wilhelm Maria Hubertus Leibl (October 23, 1844 – December 4, 1900) was a German realist painter. He became famous for his portraits and depictions of scenes of peasant life.