The artwork titled “Felix Masse” was created by artist Alexandre Cabanel in 1847. This oil on canvas painting reflects Cabanel’s skill in the Academicism art movement, showcasing his classical training and attention to detail. The portrait is part of a private collection and measures 48.9 x 61 cm.
The portrait features a young man viewed from the chest up, oriented slightly to the left, with his gaze directed at the viewer. The painting is rendered with a high level of naturalism, a distinctive feature of the Academic art style, which emphasizes realistic portrayal and technical proficiency. The man is dressed in dark clothing with a white shirt and a black tie, giving an impression of elegance and formality. He has a neatly trimmed mustache, and his facial expression is calm and composed, with no particular emotion dominating. The painting is enclosed in an oval framing technique, which focuses the viewer’s attention solely on the subject. The artist has signed and dated the piece in the upper right-hand area, indicating his authorship and the period it was made. The use of light and shadow in the portrait showcases the subject’s facial features precisely, providing a sense of depth and volume.
