The artwork entitled “Portrait of the Composer Anton von Webern” was created by Oskar Kokoschka in the year 1914. This piece is identified with the Expressionism movement and falls within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork presents a somber and intense depiction of the subject, composer Anton von Webern. The use of dark and muted colors, dominating greens and browns, combined with bold, expressive brushstrokes, emphasizes the emotional depth and psychological intensity characteristic of Expressionism. The subject’s face is rendered with sculptural qualities, showing intricate lines and shadows that highlight a sense of introspection and melancholy. The background fades into obscurity, drawing focus entirely on the figure, whose vacant, contemplative gaze seemingly penetrates the viewer, capturing the essence of the composer’s inner world.