The artwork, “Portrait of Hassel Smith,” created by David Park in 1951, belongs to the Neo-Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork presents a dynamic portrait of an individual with a contemplative expression. The subject is depicted with prominent features such as a bald head and a thoughtful gaze directed slightly off-canvas. The use of bold, expressive brushstrokes and a warm color palette reflect the Neo-Expressionist tendencies toward emotional intensity and vivid representation. The background reveals a mixture of dark and earthy tones, which contrasts effectively with the lighter hues used for the subject’s face and hands. Moreover, the inclusion of glasses and a casual gesture, possibly holding a cigarette, lends a sense of realism and immediacy to the portrayal. The artist’s signature is discernible in the lower left corner, affirming its authenticity.
