Harry Graf Kessler 1904

Edvard Munch's 1904 painting "Harry Graf Kessler" portrays the German writer and art collector Harry Graf Kessler in a striking portrait style characteristic of Munch's Expressionist phase. The portrait's flat, bold colors and swirling brushstrokes contribute to a heightened sense of emotion, capturing the sitter's intense gaze and the brooding mood of the period. The background of the painting, featuring a bookshelf, adds a layer of symbolism and depth to the work, suggesting Kessler's intellectual pursuits and his engagement with the artistic world. The painting captures a sense of introspection and depth, revealing the power of Munch's artistic vision in conveying a profound sense of character through his expressive approach.