The artwork titled “Portrait of Dr Heinrich Stadelmann,” created by Otto Dix in 1922, is an oil on canvas piece that belongs to the Verism art movement. This portrait measures 61 by 90.8 cm and is housed in the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto, Canada.
The artwork depicts a somber, elderly man dressed formally in a dark suit, complemented by a white shirt and a purple tie. The backdrop features a richly textured curtain with intricate patterns, contrasted by deep red draperies on either side. The subject appears to be standing before a potted plant, adding a natural element to the otherwise ornately detailed setting. The man’s pallid complexion and deeply furrowed expression evoke a sense of weariness or contemplation, characteristic of Dix’s stark, realistic style. There is an emphasis on exaggerating certain features, contributing to a surreal or unsettling effect, which aligns with the principles of the Verism movement. The meticulous attention to detail and the sharp contrasts in color and texture make this portrait a striking example of Otto Dix’s oeuvre.
