Portrait of the singer Karl Wallenreiter 

Arnold Böcklin painted this portrait of the singer Karl Wallenreiter sometime in the late 19th century. Böcklin lived during a time of rapid social change and increasing artistic experimentation. Here, Wallenreiter is depicted in formal attire, clutching a rolled manuscript, perhaps sheet music, which hints at his profession and passions. Böcklin’s portrait captures not just Wallenreiter's likeness, but also something of his persona. Notice how the singer's gaze drifts slightly off to the side, as if contemplating a distant muse or memory, which contrasts against the backdrop of a turbulent sea. The setting evokes the Romantic era's fascination with nature's power and the inner emotional life of the individual. Portraits like this offer insight into the cultural values and artistic trends that shaped the era. They highlight the dynamic interplay between individual identity and the broader currents of society.