Portrait of Mr. A. M. 

Albert Bloch painted this portrait of Mr. A. M., an elegant man with bright red lips, in the early 20th century. Bloch, born in St. Louis, Missouri, was deeply influenced by the cultural and intellectual movements of his time, particularly German Expressionism. The portrait invites us to consider how identities are constructed and perceived. Notice how Bloch challenges traditional portraiture by giving Mr. A. M. feminized features which contrast with his formal attire. Perhaps Bloch seeks to challenge conventional gender roles. As a Jewish artist working in a period of rising antisemitism and cultural conservatism, Bloch used his work to explore themes of identity, alienation, and social critique. Mr. A. M.'s gaze meets ours with a mix of confidence and vulnerability. This painting pushes us to reflect on the complexities of identity and representation, highlighting the personal and societal tensions inherent in expressing one's true self.