The artwork titled “Portrait of Jan Kasprowicz,” created by Jacek Malczewski in 1903, is an oil-on-canvas painting that belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. The piece measures 44.5 by 58.5 centimeters and falls under the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with an intense and contemplative figure of Jan Kasprowicz, depicted with vibrant, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of Malczewski’s style. The subject is shown with a solemn expression, his furrowed brow and penetrating gaze conveying a deep sense of introspection. His hair is thick and unruly, complementing his full beard and mustache, suggesting a man of profound thought and emotion. Kasprowicz is dressed in a dark coat, which frames his face and draws attention to the dramatic play of light and shadow on his features. The background features a soft, sunlit landscape with distant trees and a fence, rendered with less detail, thus ensuring that the primary focus remains on Kasprowicz’s visage. The overall composition of the artwork encapsulates the nuanced and poignant essence of its subject, making it a compelling example within the Art Nouveau movement.
