This accomplished portrait by German artist Fritz Reusing (1874-1956) depicts an older gentleman with a fine set of mutton chops. It’s believed to be the painter Carl Seiler (1846-1921).

Reusing was an outstanding portraitist - one of the last masters of the classical style. His works shimmer with life, every characteristic captured with a keen understanding of light. You can almost feel the skin, a complex amalgam of fleshy tones and reflected near white.

It’s no wonder that he was commissioned to paint various luminaries including Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky and Albert Einstein. When he produced this work, he was just 22 with the world at his feet.

Signed in the upper right and housed within a later frame.

Learn more about Fritz Reusing in our directory.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 15” x 18½” / 39cm x 47cm
Year of creation: 1896
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction highlight: £4,137 achieved for an oil painting in 2008.