Portrait of Richard Strauss 1918

Max Liebermann made this oil painting of Richard Strauss at some point, we don't know exactly when. Look at the way the brushstrokes sort of build up the image, they’re loose and free, especially in the background, like he's figuring it out as he goes along. The dark, muted palette creates a somber mood, but it's also kind of comforting, like a familiar melody. I’m drawn to the hands resting in his lap. They’re painted with such sensitivity, almost like they’re telling a story of their own. You can almost feel the texture of the skin, the bones beneath. Liebermann reminds me a little of someone like Lovis Corinth in his approach to portraiture. They both had a knack for capturing the essence of their subjects without getting too fussy about details. They’re interested in the process of painting as much as the final image. Art’s an ongoing conversation, right? Each artist builds upon what came before, adding their own voice to the mix.