The artwork, titled “Portrait of the industrialist and MP Max Friedmann,” is a creation of John Quincy Adams, painted approximately in the year 1908. This oil painting on canvas, measuring 98 x 112 cm, is a notable example of the Realism movement and belongs to the genre of portraiture.
In the portrait, an industrialist, identified as Max Friedmann, is depicted seated in an opulent interior, exuding a dignified presence. His composed demeanor is highlighted by his formal attire, which suggests a man of considerable status and influence. The fine details meticulously rendered by the artist include the texture of the subject’s clothing, the careful shading around his figure, and the subtle play of light and shadow that imbues the canvas with a lifelike depth. Among the background elements, one can discern a framed photograph and a lamp, which add to the rich atmospheric context of the scene. The painting not only serves as a visual representation of Friedmann but also as a testament to the socio-economic milieu of the early 20th century.
