The artwork, entitled “Sixteen Years Old,” is a portrait created by the artist Max Liebermann, a noted figure within the Realism art movement. This genre of artwork is characterized by its portrayal of subjects with a high degree of fidelity to their real-life appearance, capturing subtle and intricate details with precision and accuracy.
In this particular piece, the young subject is depicted with a sense of earnestness and seriousness that is conveyed through the meticulous rendering of his facial features and attire. The portrait is executed in monochromatic tones, utilizing fine lines and shading to achieve depth and texture. The subject’s curly hair is depicted with detailed texture, and his formal attire, including a bow tie and jacket, suggests a certain level of sophistication. The overall composition of the artwork reflects Liebermann’s commitment to Realism, focusing on the genuine representation of the individual rather than an idealized image.
