Head Of An Old Man 1890 - 1900

Jozef Hanula painted this intimate portrait in oil. The composition, dominated by the subject's profile, is immediately striking for its textural richness and muted palette. The painting's surface reveals Hanula's engagement with capturing the play of light on the man's face, evidenced by the subtle variations in tone and the visible brushstrokes. The textured application of paint captures the essence of aging. Light and shadow define the contours of his face, lending the portrait a tangible, almost sculptural quality. This can be seen most clearly around the nose and the forehead. The background, rendered in soft, hazy greens, serves to isolate the figure, drawing our attention to the complex network of lines and forms that constitute the portrait. The artist skillfully uses these formal elements to evoke not just a likeness, but a sense of the sitter's inner life. The portrait invites reflection on the relationship between representation, perception, and the material qualities of paint itself.