Albert Schmidt (1883–1970), Attributed to - Male portrait - character study

Attributed to Albert Schmidt

(1883–1970)

Male Portrait – Character Study

Central European School – c. 1910

IDENTIFICATION OF THE WORK

1.1 Technical and Support

Oil on board.

Signed in the lower right corner “A. Schmidt”.

1.2 Chronology and Attribution

Attributed to Albert Schmidt (1883–1970).

First half of the 20th century

1.3 Measures

Board: 18 x 26 cm

With frame: 39 x 30 cm

Marco included.

ARTISTIC DESCRIPTION

2.1 Composition

Half-length male portrait, presented frontally with a slight twist of the face toward the left. The figure rises against a bluish-neutral background that reinforces the psychological intensity of the model.

The composition is sober, focused, and highly expressive.

2.2 Pictorial treatment

Thick, dense impasto brushwork, with visible and vibrant material. The modeling is built by layering ochres, earth tones, and cool grays, creating volume through restrained light contrasts. The treatment of the face reveals a quest for character rather than academic idealization.

2.3 Stylistic Language

The work is situated within a Central European postwar expressionist tradition, with formal affinities to Lovis Corinth's portraiture or to certain approaches of Oskar Kokoschka in his more restrained variant. The psychological intensity and the economy of means reinforce its modern character.

Historical Context and Attribution

3.1 Artistic framework

Albert Schmidt developed his body of work within the Central European artistic context of the 20th century, at a moment of transition between late Realism and the expressive languages derived from Expressionism.

3.2 Comparative analysis

The material impasto and the chromatic construction recall solutions used by German portraitists of the interwar period. The density of the painted surface and the introspective treatment of the subject place the work within a realm of professional quality.

3.3 Attribution

The signature visible in the lower right corner supports the traditional attribution to Albert Schmidt. Prudent cataloging: Attributed to Albert Schmidt (1883–1970).

Condition of Preservation

4.1 Support

Structurally stable table.

4.2 Painting Surface

Craquelure appropriate to the technique and age. The paint medium is well preserved with a coherent patina.

4.3 Marco

Rear frame included.

Photographs are an essential part of the description.

Warranty, Transparency, and Service

5.1 Philosophy

Barcelona Art Gallery operates under criteria of formal and comparative analysis, always prioritizing transparency in attribution.

5.2 Commitment

– Direct communication
– Additional information upon request
– Personalized monitoring of the process

5.3 Packaging and shipping

– Specialized professional packaging
– Enhanced protection
– Certified and insured shipment
– Complete logistics tracking
– International shipping available

OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLECTING

6.1 Artistic value

Portrait with a strong expressive character, representative of the Central European tradition of the mid-20th century.

6.2 Market Interest

Expressionist figurative painting by an identified or attributed author continues to command solid demand in the European market.

6.3 Auction context

Presented without a reserve price, it represents an attractive opportunity both aesthetically and for collectors, especially for those interested in expressionist portraiture within the Germanic sphere.